Raleigh, N.C. — Downtown Raleigh is hosting what organizers will be the first of many festivals celebrating African-American culture.

The African-American Cultural Festival is the fruit of two years of labor by organizers appointed in 2008 by Wake County and Raleigh elected leaders.

"I think it's good," said festival-goer Reginald Moody, who brought his daughters to the festival Saturday. "I think they need to have more of them and bring the people downtown, so they can understand the African-American culture."

Arts and crafts vendors are set up in City Plaza, Charter Square and the 400 block of Fayetteville Street. Highlights include drummers, a children's choir and storytelling.

The celebration ran late into the night Saturday with an R&B dance party in the Lincoln Center.

The festival runs 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.