The “39th Annual Harambee Festival”

 By Fairy Street Mama
The “39th Annual Harambee Festival” was a great day of information, inspiration and celebration on the last Saturday of October. The annual event kicked off as planned and the crowd of spectators were not disappointed! The festival was founded in the early 1970’s as an alternative celebration to Halloween. The word “Harambee” is an East African Swahili word which means “Let’s pull together.” The theme this year was “New Hope in the 21st Century.”

The festival was founded in the early 1970’s as an alternative celebration to Halloween. The word “Harambee” is an East African Swahili word which means “Let’s pull together.” The theme this year was “New Hope in the 21st Century.”

The “Francis Burns” parade entered the Martin Luther King, Jr. grounds with the Lincoln High School band stepping high as fans cheered with excitement! After the libation ceremony, which included African Drumming, attendees were able to shop at the many different venders booths. They were able to eat the delicious foods that were being offered. Along the “Harambee African Marketplace,” there was numerous clothing and jewelry booths to choose from where handmade and artistic crafts, T-shirts and paintings were sold at reasonable prices. Health issues could be addressed where free tests and exams were offered. The “Watoto Village” was filled with children who received free food, school supplies, games, candy, prizes, face painting and entertainment tailored just for them! Radio stations invited guests to join in on live broadcast conversations. There had been a DISD “Mask” contest among the elementary, middle and high schools and the winning masks were displayed for all to see and admire.

If you were unable to attend this year’s Celebration, mark your calendar now…….

October 25, 2014 Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center.