African American Cultural Festival returns to downtown Raleigh

Entertainment, artists and vendors stretched down Fayetteville Street. It comes at an important time for Black-owned businesses making a comeback from the worst of the pandemic.

Overa Reid, a vendor selling shirts with names of historically Black colleges and other designs printed on them, said the festival provides a unique opportunity for vendors and visitors.

“To be able to learn your history and support Black-owned businesses as well,” said Reid.

A short walk down Fayetteville street, and you're in the queen's presence. The Candi Queen that is.

Tamesha Lynch started this business just three years ago. The pandemic threatened to end it just as it began.

“For a while there I thought the Candi Queen would be non-existent," said Lynch. "Luckily, we persevered and found ways to pivot.”

This festival was also impacted. This is the first year back in person after the pandemic forced the event to go virtual.

That is important to many Black-owned businesses working to recover from the pandemic.

“We have entrepreneurs that are multi-talented and it should be displayed,” said Lynch.

Grady Bussey is the chair of this event. When he looks down this street, packed curb to curb – it’s moving.

“We are so happy to bring this back to downtown Raleigh again,” said Bussey. “Just to feel the enthusiasm and the spirit of homecoming again.”

Lynch said she plans to return again – and again.

“We are going to be coming back every year,” said Lynch.