Location : San Diego Repertory Theatre [The Lyceum Theatres]

BLACK 2 CONNECTED

San Diego has a rich and vibrant African American culture.  In order to survive and prosper, the Black community has always used its creativity for motivation, collective work, encouraging responsibility and self-empowerment.  Artistic exposure plays a vital role in the African American communities’ journey for expression, healing and self-determination.  San Diego Urban Warriors Inc. and the African American Advisory Council of the San Diego Repertory Theatre have utilized arts for over 28 years with ongoing edu-tainment, programs in behavior guidance, health education and cultural enrichment which incorporates prevention, intervention and ongoing creative support. Each year, the City of San Diego is invited to embrace and celebrate San Diego’s diverse and provocative Black heritage and culture at the Kuumba Festival which is celebrated the last week of February.  Kuumba Festival celebrates the positive lifestyle changes made over the year, provides cultural resources in the African Market Place, positive powerful healing images and spiritual celebrations for the entire family.

Buy a Festival Pass.
Purchase tickets for individual Kuumba Festival events.

Friday, February 28th — Night of Positive Images

6 PM – Open for shopping, The African Market Place, cultural vendors, fashion, art, jewelry, light foods and live jazz in the lobby. The Feed Radio Show Podcast with Ahmed Dents and Brandee J host the Community Reception. Admission: Free

7 PM – Drum call and libations, regal pageantry awards ceremony in the Royal Court, Parade of Ancestors, chore poem play "Sarah Elizabeth." "The Lynching of a Black woman." Written by Ginger Galloway, adapted and directed by Calvin Manson. Tickets: $25

 

Saturday, February 29th — Day & Night of Positive Challenges

11 AM – Reopening of the African Market Place with the addition of the youth village, educational workshops, panel discussions and book fair. Admission: Free

2 PM – Extemporaneous Speech Competition – Youth & adult participants pull topics from the box and have two minutes to speak on their selected topic, with a $45 prize for each winner. Admission: Free

2:30 PM – Workshop on Healthy Foods – Cooking and healthy living demonstration and teach back. Admission: Free

3 PM – Step & Dance – Black 2 Connected fitness and movement competition and showcase connecting dance and movement to healthy fit lifestyles and tools to address childhood obesity and increased discipline. Tickets: $12

5 PM – Taste of Soul – Contest in the spirit of Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics) Kuumba Fest host a friendly competition of SD top chefs, cooks and restaurants promoting the best Black owned and operated eateries. Tickets: $7

5:15 PM – “Is she the right one?” Open interactive discussion and group mentoring experience, sharing for life planning and standard setting for the young Black urban community. Admission: Free

6 PM – “Natural Hair” The Movie hosted by Makena Hayes-Gargonnu. Film and Panel discussion on the politics, economics, and cultural power and impact on wearing their natural hair. Tickets: $10

8 PM – YBNB VIP Showcase of positive images and vibration of local black owned businesses, and organizations that serve the community showcasing their products, brand and services. Admission: Free

9 PM – Late Nite Live, Tribute to the Apollo Theatre – Interactive audience showcasing of San Diego’s top and most self- determined artist, performers and entertainers. Youth and Adult segments and $600 in prizes. Tickets: $15

 

Sunday, March 1st — Day & Night of Spiritual Celebrating

11 AM – Dreams On A Dime: Readers Theatre presentation led by playwright Sharnell Blevins connecting to and celebrating the African American experience of race gender and ageism, honoring the work of Black artists. Don’t miss this treat! Tickets:$10

12 PM – Reopening of the African Market Place. Admission: Free

2 PM – Panel Discussion: The Plight of the Black Family – Interactive panel of Black men sharing, discussing and answering questions based on their feelings and experience on what it will take to save the Black Family. Admission: Free

4 PM – Gospel Celebration – Hand clapping, foot stomping traditional spiritually moving music, singing and rendering up praises for the positive vibrations and energy of empowerment from a higher power. Tickets: $10

6:30 PM – Black is the Color of my True Love – A romantic drama about a couple whose divorce causes the ancestors to take them on a journey of reconnecting can the ancestors help confront the pain and restore the American Black family. Tickets: $15

8:30 PM – Comedy Show/After Hours Event for the whole Kuumba Fest family and community to come together closing out Kuumba Fest 2020, gathering with celebration, laughter and healing featuring: J. Anhur-Shi, Kayshawn, P. Howard, N. Robinson, W. Ford, B. Young. Have a drink & laugh till you’re free to connect for a better day. Tickets: $15
 

Staff

• Artistic Director – Dajahn Blevins
• Executive Administrative Assistant – Nicole Gibbs
• Festival Stage Manager (Associate in Training) – Taurice W.
• Chief Financial Officer – Denise Web
• Website & Marketing Consultant – Charde Spe’s
• African Market Place Activities & Workshop Coordinator – Deshonda Roberts
• Healthy Active Fit Resources Coordinator – Nasara Gargona
• Administrative Assistant & Volunteer Coordinator – Cheryl Sapp
• Royal Court Awards – Dajahn Blevins
• Parade of the Ancestors – Dajahn Blevins
• Fri Play Director – Calvin Manson
• Kuumba Kidz Youth Presentation – Dajahn/Makia
• Dance & Step Healthy Youth Movement – Shanna Franklin
• Poetry Experiential – Greg McKnight
• Late Nite Live Apollo Style Talent Show – Black X
• Readers Theatre Presentation – Antonio Johnson
• Panel Discussion Plight of the Black family – Chida W-Darby
• Play The Color of My True Love is Black – Khalif Price
• The After Party Comedy/After Hour Showcase – Bianca Hutton
• Production Assistant Coordinator – Jonzi Jones
• Community Reception / Media Panel and Mixer – Ahmed Dents & Brandee J