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Marion Black Joy SummerFest 2024

  • Martin Luther King Jr. Park 201-261 Cass Avenue Marion, OH, 43302 United States (map)

Marion Black Joy Summerfest 2024

Event Date and Time: June 29th, 2024 | 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Event Location: MLK Park, Marion, Ohio

Join us for the Marion Black Joy Summerfest 2024, a vibrant community festival celebrating the glory of Marion's Black cultural arts, heritage, and summertime traditions. This free, all-ages event will be held at MLK Park in Marion, Ohio, and will feature music, dance, art, narrative stages, and food trucks.

Festival Highlights:

  • Musical Headliner: The Elements featuring Brianna O'Dell, LaCosta Hayes, Jordy Brady, & Friends.

  • Narrative Stages: Dive into the rich Black history and heritage, Black arts, and youth narratives in Marion County.

  • Workshops: Participate in cultural arts workshops led by Marion Voices teaching artists.

  • Line Dancing Demonstrations: Join Ms. Jessie Thompson for fun and engaging line dance sessions.

  • Black-Owned Business Marketplace: Support local Black-owned businesses.

  • Kids Activities: Enjoy art-making, games, and interactive activities designed for children.

  • Racial Justice Imagination Station: Engage in thoughtful discussions and activities focused on racial justice.

Event Schedule:

Performance Stage & Activities:

  • 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM: Top-Secret Festival Opening Acts

  • 12:30 PM - 1:15 PM: Youth // Intergenerational Narrative Stage

  • 1:15 PM - 1:30 PM: Line Dancing Workshop with Ms. Jessie Thompson (Meet at MLK Park Basketball Courts)

  • 1:30 PM - 2:15 PM: Narrative Stage #2: Black History & Heritage in Marion County

  • 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM: Music by The Elements

  • 3:15 PM - 4:00 PM: Narrative Stage #3: Black Cultural Arts in Marion County

  • 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Music by The Elements (Closing Performance)

About Marion Black Joy Summerfest: Marion Black Joy Summerfest is proudly organized and co-curated by Marion Voices, Marion County's community folklife, public history, and cultural arts for justice organization since 2017. This festival aims to amplify Marion County's underheard heritages and promote a future filled with justice and joy.

Sponsors and Supporters:

  • Festival Flagship Sponsor: OhioHealth

  • Gold Sponsors: Pillar Credit Union, Marion Community Foundation

  • Silver Sponsors: Park National Bank, Graphic Packaging, StreetWise Motors, The Union Bank, Whirlpool

  • Bronze Sponsor: Peace & Freedom Committee

Contact Information: For more information or to donate, visit marionvoices.org or email us at marionvoicesoralhistory@gmail.com. Follow us on social media @marionvoices for updates and event highlights.

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