Baltimore’s Mayor Brandon M. Scott and the Baltimore City Recreation & Parks recently announced the return of the annual AFRAM, a festival dedicated to celebrating Black culture.
Set to be held at Druid Hill Park on June 22 and June 23, the festival places an emphasis on Black fashion, music, art and business overall. A free event, AFRAM will provide artists, creators and business owners with a platform to show off their skills and creations.
The festival will also feature performances by a variety of musicians; those confirmed to take the stage include Mya, Busta Rhymes, Morris Day and The Time, October London, Karen Clark Shead, Big Daddy Kane and Alex Isley.
A celebration for the 40th anniversary of house music will also be held, celebrating the city’s role in its development and local house acts that have become staple names in the genre.
“Each year, AFRAM brings Baltimore together to celebrate our city’s history, culture, community, and love for music,” said Mayor Brandon M. Scott. “As one of the largest Black arts and culture fairs on the East Coast, it gives us an opportunity to celebrate the best of Baltimore and gather together to show the world what we have to offer.”
Created in 1976, the AFRAM festival was founded by the late Norman E. Ross, the founder of the Cultural Arts Program and Chairman of AFRAM Expo. Ross served for many years as the organizer of the AFRAM festival.
A graduate of HBCU Morehouse, he was part of the NAACP’s Wilmington chapter before devoting himself to the arts, such as music and theater.
This summer, we’re back at Druid Hill Park for the 47th Annual #AFRAM celebration. You know when we celebrate here in Baltimore, we celebrate big. So, I am so excited to announce our 2024 lineup. See you on June 22nd and June 23rd as we celebrate Black Excellence! pic.twitter.com/0Gx02vaoSg
— Brandon M. Scott (@MayorBMScott) April 25, 2024
Each year, the annual festival focuses on a specific theme, celebrating Black history and culture in leadership, artistry, invention, sports, medicine, business and the civil rights movement.
Previous musicians who have taken the stage at AFRAM include The Isley Brothers, Gil Scott Heron, Tamar Braxton, Spinderella, Art Blakey, Kid Capri, The O’Jays, Ne-Yo, Teddy Riley and Rick Ross.
“AFRAM is about the residents of Baltimore coming together to celebrate Black culture while experiencing some of the most dynamic voices in music, art, and creativity,” said the current director of the festival, Reginald Moore, per a statement. “Our talent team did a phenomenal job and really knocked it out of the park with lining up the artists for AFRAM 2024.”
“And there’s no better way for attendees to enjoy this festival than at one of Baltimore’s most iconic parks,” he added. “We’re grateful for the support of the Scott Administration, community, local vendors, and strong partnerships that make this event possible.”
