SAGINAW, MI — In the footprint of a demolished school’s property, Alexis Thomas finds joy in the memories of learning about African culture.
And she plans to make more memories there — for her and her community.
The 57th Annual Saginaw African Cultural Festival will take place this weekend, from Friday to Sunday, Aug. 8-10, at the old Morley School grounds, 2601 Lapeer Ave. in Saginaw.
The weekend-long event features live music, dance, poetry, food vendors, a 3-on-3 basketball tournament, games, and children’s activities.
Established in 1968, the Saginaw African Cultural Festival is the oldest ongoing Black arts festival in the country, according to event organizers.
That history includes Thomas, director of the event’s planning organization, attending the festival as early as the age of 10. Back then, the Morley School building still existed, and its hallways offered a looking glass into a culture that continues to fascinate Thomas today, as an adult in charge of maintaining the annual event.
“Those are some of my fondest memories; being able to gather within that building and sharing some of those cultural activities,” she said.
For years now, those cultural activities have taken place outdoors at the old school property, where Thomas continues to make time to enjoy the festivities despite her duties as its top organizer.
Among the highlights this year includes a musical celebration of the life of Angie Stone, the Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter who died in March; and a musical tribute to Frankie Beverly, the R&B singer who died in September 2024.
“It’s a big, cultural family reunion,” Thomas said of the festival. “It’s a spot where everyone can come and hang. We’re inviting the community to come and hang out all day, bring a pop-up tent, bring a lawn chair. Just come hang out with us.”
To view the festival’s schedule of events, click here.
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