The Black Frederick Festival, an annual event that celebrates Black history and culture, returned for its second year with even more vibrancy and community spirit. Held on a warm Saturday, the festival drew attendees from across the city and beyond, creating a joyous atmosphere filled with music, dance, and cultural expression.
As festival-goers arrived, the air was filled with the rhythmic sounds of African drumming, setting the tone for a day dedicated to honoring and uplifting the Black community in Frederick. Food trucks lined the festival grounds, offering a variety of culinary delights, while live music from local artists created a lively backdrop for the day’s festivities.
Among the key figures behind the event was Kiki Wilson, a longtime member of the Black Frederick organization. Wilson’s involvement with the group began when she was just 12 years old, initially contributing as a youth writer for their website. Now, years later, she has stepped into a leadership role, helping to organize the festival that has become a cornerstone of the community’s cultural calendar.
“Ever since then, it’s been like family,” Wilson said, reflecting on her journey with Black Frederick. “When I heard that they needed help with the second annual festival, it was only right that I joined on board.” For Wilson, who grew up in Frederick and graduated from Gov. Thomas Johnson High School in 2010, the festival is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of the local businesses, sorority and fraternity chapters, families, and, as she put it, “all things Black.”
“It’s just exciting to be celebrating a little bit of Frederick history and culture,” Wilson added, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the contributions and heritage of the Black community within the broader tapestry of the city’s history.
Black Frederick, the organization behind the festival, was established in 2004 with the mission of supporting and uplifting Black residents in the area. Over the years, the group has provided valuable online resources and organized various community events, with the Black Frederick Festival standing out as one of its most significant initiatives.
The festival was a melting pot of people and experiences. Attendees like Lanai Jackson and her partner, Rasheeda Wiltshire, brought the energy, dancing from their lawn chairs throughout the musical performances. Their joy was contagious, drawing in others like Desirée Hall, who ran up to the pair to exchange warm hugs. Hall, who had met Jackson and Wiltshire at a Juneteenth event earlier in the year, was thrilled to reconnect with them at the festival. A member of the Delta Sigma Theta sorority, Hall was especially excited to support her sorority sisters as they led a dynamic step event later in the day.
“I came down to support the festival and my sorority sisters,” Hall said with a smile. “I’m just having a good time. I love these fun events.”
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The festival’s success was also a point of pride for local leaders. Gayon Sampson, the chief of staff for Mayor Michael O’Connor, was among the event’s organizers and a vocal supporter of its mission. A multigenerational Frederick resident, Sampson sees the festival as a vital opportunity to bring the community together in celebration of Black culture and history.
“This is awesome,” Sampson said as he took in the scene on Saturday. “I think it’s an opportunity for us to bring everyone together to celebrate the Black culture, Black history here in Frederick.”
The presence of local officials, including County Executive Jessica Fitzwater, County Council Vice President Kavonté Duckett, and Frederick Alderwoman Katie Nash, underscored the event’s significance. Their participation highlighted the strong support for the Black Frederick Festival within the broader civic community.
As the day progressed, the festival continued to buzz with activity. Micah Duckett, the 4-year-old son of Kavonté Duckett and godson of Gayon Sampson, embodied the spirit of the day as he ran around with small toys and favors distributed by the firefighters in attendance. His excitement and energy were a fitting reflection of the festival’s success in bringing together multiple generations to celebrate, connect, and honor Black history and culture in Frederick.
In just its second year, the Black Frederick Festival has firmly established itself as a beloved tradition, one that not only celebrates the past but also looks forward to a future of continued unity and cultural pride. The event is more than just a festival; it is a testament to the strength, resilience, and vibrancy of the Black community in Frederick, a community that continues to thrive and inspire.
