Shelonda Stokes, president of greiBO Media (which produces the festival)
Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake and numerous other city and state officials along with sponsors and supporters had a chance to both share what the festival has meant to their constituents as well as hear from Shelonda Stokes about upcoming new and exciting improvements coming to this year’s event on July 7 -8 at M&T Bank Stadium.
The festival bills itself as a Celebration of Life, Music and Culture and it was clear from all in attendance that last year’s more than 500,000 attendees really did have a phenomenal time during this family friendly weekend that went off without any negative incidents.
Radio One founder Cathy Hughes is the chair of this year’s festival committee and Radio One is a sponsor along with title sponsor Coca-Cola, PNC Bank, the state of Maryland, Walmart, State Farm, Rite Aid, the Marines and a host of others.
Last year’s entertainment lineup included Chrisette Michele, Charlie Wilson, Estelle, KJon, Lil Mo, Caddy Da Don, Wish and more. This year promises to be even better. New areas and programs for this year’s festival include: an enhanced footprint; a “Get Movin Complex”; Kid’s Fair; Health & Wellness Zone; Arts, History & Cultural Experience; a Financial Literacy Center; Be What You Want to Be; and Fashion Forward.
For more information, please visit www.africanamericanfestival.net/.
