*(Inglewood, CA) — It’s hard to believe that Black History Month celebrations are a wrap. There was an array of memorable events that were held throughout the greater Los Angeles area, and the nation as a whole.
It is a well-known fact, amongst people in the know; that Black History is celebrated all year long, three hundred and sixty-five days a year.
The City of Inglewood, aka, The City of Champions and The City Where Legends are Made, presented the 2nd Annual Black History Celebration and Family Festival. The family-friendly festival featured national and local artists, Saturday, February 24, 2024, 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Downtown on Market Street (from Regent Street to Hillcrest Boulevard).
The weather Gods looked down favorably upon the festival. It was a beautiful, sunny day, with cool pleasant breezes. A welcome respite from the rain. Rain is in the forecast as this review goes to press.
The Black History Month Committee should be applauded and saluted for their efforts in creating the 2nd Annual Black History Celebration Family Festival in Inglewood. The committee members were acknowledged and recognized on stage during the program.
The Black History Celebration Family Festival spotlighted Inglewood’s rich African American community and cultural diversity. Nationally known performers were joined by local dancers, singers, choirs, musicians, and other talents showcased during Inglewood’s 2nd Annual Black History Celebration Family Festival.
Adai Lamar, 102.3FM Radio Free KJLH, served as emcee for the popular celebration. Attendees enjoyed an exciting lineup of talent showcased during the program on two stages.
The Queen Street Stage featured the Inglewood Senior Center Inspirational Choir under the direction of Jimmy Davis. We had CHURCH on Market Street as the choir lifted their voices to give Praise where Praise is due.
Fest Afrik Fashion Show dazzled the crowd with creative, wearable art, presented by several amazing designers. The bonus was a performance by Abi Koya. This extremely talented singer wowed the crowd with her vocal styling singing, opera, musicals, and the Great American Songbook.
City of Inglewood Councilman Eloy Morales, Jr., (District 3) and Councilwoman Dionne Faulk (District 4) welcomed the multicultural crowd to Inglewood and the Black Celebration Family Festival. The highlight of this portion of the program featured the talented students at Inglewood Unified School District.
The students showcased their winning essays in front of a captivated crowd. They were cool, and calm. The crowd consisted of parents and other family members, proud teachers, Administrators along the general public. The Los Angeles RAMS presented each student with a generous check on stage.
Congresswoman Maxine Waters, State Senator Steven Bradford, and Assemblywoman Tina McKinnor were also in attendance for this festive occasion.
Elaine Gibbs & NuSoul got the party started. Their lively and entertaining set featured the songs “Before I Let Go,” “Let’s Get It On,” “Family Reunion,” “This is How We Do It,” and “Don’t Want to Lose Your Love,” to name a few. Attendees had a good time and a better time as a result of witnessing this set by Elaine Gibbs & NuSoul.
Supreme Dance Team was another awesome addition to the program. They skillfully showcased dance routines of the African diaspora to the delight of the crowd. Fula Toro performed a brief program of West African drumming.
Jazz in Pink is an all-female band featuring leaders in their own right. The band is led by Gail Jhonson, 1st Lady of Smooth Jazz. The crowd was actively listening as well as dancing throughout their crowd-pleasing set, which was a mix of jazz with soul, R&B, symphonic, rock, and hip-hop undertones.
It was announced that today, February 24th, was Gail’s birthday. This was a memorable way to celebrate one’s birthday by performing in front of a fantastic audience. Jazz in Pink featured several special guests on this special occasion.
Sensational saxophonist Keschia Potter, tremendously talented trumpeter Tatiana Tate as well as Gail’s daughters on vocals, Tamina Khyrah-joi and Aanhka Neal, aka- Blended by God.
Biscuits and Gravy took the festivities up to another level. They closed out the celebration with a classic soundtrack of old-school funk, R&B, and Soul, to the delight of the party people crowding the dance floor throughout their set. Biscuits and Gravy’s eclectic set list ensured that there would be no parking on the dance floor. I mentioned classic soundtrack, meaning these are songs that are always relevant and timely.
The Nutwood Stage featured some high-octane West African drumming and dancing, choirs, DJs, and a variety of performers.
The City of Inglewood Black History Celebration Family Festival featured additional engaging activities for the entire family, arts and crafts, children’s pavilion, food court, commercial vendors, and much more.
Everyone had a great time. The crowd left the event feeling inspired and uplifted after an afternoon of engaging entertainment.
Ricky Richardson is a Southern California-based writer, music reviewer, and photographer. Contact him via: liltampared@netzero.net
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