31 st Annual Kuumba Festival: BLACK TO KUJICHAGULIA

By Malachi Kudura

Sunday May 29, 2023, was the last day of the Annual Kuumba Festival, celebrating Black Art, Culture, Heritage & Entertainment. The celebration was held at the Maire Widman Memorial Park in “The 9 Block” in Encanto. Sunday's theme was “Day of Spiritual Rejuvenation” which highlighted Black Art, Culture, Heritage, Financial Education and Gospel Music.

The Kuumba Fest tradition continues with the African marketplace, exotic vendors, and educational workshops. The music featured San Diego traditional hand clapping, foot stomping gospel greats like Tutu (Carmelita Bell), Kimberly Watt & Friends and David Dredden & Undefeated, to name a few.

The 31st Annual Kuumba Festival (founded by Dajaun Blevins) makes its return to the 4th District Community of Encanto. Kuumba Festival is one of San Diego’s longest running celebrations of Black youth, family, community development, health, art, culture and heritage. The celebration was from May 25th-May 28th, each night having its own theme that promoted Black unity.

“Events like this are important for the community. We need to get back to loving and celebrating each other again,” said an attendee. They continued, “It’s amazing to see all these beautiful faces cele- brating our community. Just look at all of these people praising God together. Beautiful.”

At one point during the celebration, a man that began acting disruptive was met with love and prayer from the event holders and attending ministers.

“That disruptive man was met with love and prayer, the Holy Spirit fell on him and he cried in joy,” said Angela Jackson, an attendee. The love and compassion that was witnessed is the very reflection of the people and community of the 4th District we love and respect.