The Kuumba Festival was created to recognize, showcase and celebrate African American Cultural contributions to American culture. The name of KUUMBA is swahili for CREATIVITY. Kuumba is also one of the seven principles of Kwaanza. The first Kuumba Festival was conducted in 1990. The African Heritage Committee, Inc. has planned and executed the festival for the past six years.

This festival is a family event that spotlights visual arts, drumming, storytelling, african fashions, african dancing, gospel music, Jazz and foods cooked with the African flair. Booth spaces are available for vending food, crafts, artifacts, books, African clothing and artwork. Items should be in keeping with the theme. All vendors must have a NC tax ID number. Churches, schools and non-profit organizations must attach a letter with their application proving they are tax-exempted. Educational/Informational booths do not pay a vending fee.

AAHC, Inc. focuses on presenting to our community professional entertainers thus providing greater culture exposure to our area. There entertainment is at the highest professional level possible. Some previous entertainers were:

Melva Houston - Blues singer
Ray Codrington - Jazz musician
Obakunle Akinlana - Storyteller and Libation ceremony
The Clark Special - Gospel
Voices of Wyanoke - Accapella (Songs from the African Diaspora)
Cynthia and Rudy Tyson - Jazz
Steel Drum Symphonette
Grand Daddy June Bug - Storyteller
Dijantie - Drumming
Shea-Ra Nichi & The Cultural Dane Ensemble - Dancing
Grandma Bling Bling - Storytelling
Elisha Minter - Storytelling
PSD Singers - Gospel Singers
Steel Vibrations - Drummers
Willa Brigham - Storyteller (WRAL)

Our goals are:

• To share the African culture with Scotland County and surrounding area
• To promote and preserve historical traditions
• To provide educational and recreational opportunities for our community and beyond
• To enhance the spirit of the people in our area and surrounding areas
• To promote tourism by serving as a major attraction.

Any citizen who has an interest and appreciation for the influence of African culture on the visual and performing arts may become a member.