COLUMBUS -- The history of the African American Heritage Festival at The Ohio State University is as rich as the activities designed to commemorate it.  This year’s Heritage Festival, titled “It Takes an Entire Village,” will be held on the Columbus campus from May 14 to 20.

What began as a one-day “block party” for Ohio State students in a campus parking lot 23 years ago has grown to a week of events that celebrate African American culture.  Currently, the Heritage Festival spans across Ohio State’s campus and attracts between 30,000 and 40,000 people during the weekend.

The event officially became the Heritage Festival in 1990 when organizers wanted to address negative connotations associated with the name “block party.”  Gradually, the Heritage Festival, which was originally held only on the weekend, grew into a week of events.

According to Patty Cunningham, a senior from Springfield, Ohio, and co-chair of the Heritage Festival’s Communications Committee, the Heritage Festival is an important tradition at Ohio State.

“It is of great importance to Ohio State because the celebration of African American culture and heritage is synonymous with embracing American history and culture,” Cunningham said.  “The Heritage Festival is one of the opportunities on campus to create a sense of family and solidarity.”

William H. Hall, interim vice president for student affairs and chair of the Heritage Festival coordinating committee, said many more segments of the Columbus community have become involved in planning of year’s celebration.

“We’re very pleased to have significant corporate support and a number of community volunteers joining with university staff and students and city officials,” Hall said.  “Together, we are working to present a safe, educational and enjoyable event for all.”

Among this year’s events, Jerry Revish, anchor from WBNS-TV, will present a program on May 16 about the Underground Railroad and its history in Columbus; the “Tom Joyner Morning Show,” the No. 1 urban radio show heard in more than 100 markets, will perform on May 18 in the Comedy Showcase.

Other events include:

MAY 14 – Experience Ghana, 7 to 9 p.m. at the Ohio Union Main Lounge, 1739 N. High St.  Members from Experience Diversity, an Ohio State student organization, will take an in-depth look at the culture of Ghana.

MAY 15 –Music is poetry in motion – Poetry is music in rhyme, 7 p.m. at the Wexner Film Theater, 1871 N. High St.  Members of the Ohio State and Columbus communities will share their poetry with the audience.  Ted McDaniel, professor of music and African and African American studies, will narrate this event.

MAY 16 – Follow the North Star, 7:30 p.m. at the Ohio Union Conference Theatre, 1739 N. High St.  Ohio was a critical stop on the Underground Railroad that delivered hundreds of slaves to freedom.  Jerry Revish, anchor at WBNS-TV, will review these historical tracks.

MAY 17 – Gather the Children, Ohio State faculty, staff and students will join kindergarten students at Hubbard Avenue and East Linden schools to share the African tradition of story telling.  This event is designed to recognize the history of literacy in the African American community.

MAY 17 – History of Black Fraternities and Sororities, 7:30 p.m. at the Ohio Union.  Lawrence Ross, author of Divine Nine – History of the Black Fraternities and Sororities, will discuss the roles and responsibilities of black greek organizations to the campus and the Columbus community.

MAY 18 – The 14^th Annual Pan-Hellenic Black Greek Step Show, 7 p.m. at Mershon Auditorium, 1871 N. High St.  The art of group stepping is an African tradition currently kept alive by African American sororities and fraternities.  Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at any Ticketmaster outlet.

MAY 18 – Comedy Showcase, 10 p.m. at the Schottenstein Center, corner of Lane Avenue and Olentangy River Road.  J. Anthony Brown, Miss Dupree and Myra Jay, from the “Tom Joyner Morning Show,” will perform.  Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at any Ticketmaster outlet.

MAY 18, 19 – Bounce with Me, midnight to 3 a.m. on Friday, May 18, and 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. on Saturday, May 19, at the French Field House, 460 Woody Hayes Drive.  This dance party is restricted to people who are 18 or older.

MAY 19 – In the Town Square, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on the Oval of Ohio State’s campus.   This event is complete with African dancers, food, clothing and craft vendors.  There also will be a recognition ceremony for African American Ohio State alumni and appearances to be made by Ohio State athletes.  Specific events include:

§         Carnival Rides – This attraction will include hours of fun and games for children of all ages.  Sponsored by Student Activities and Campus Programs.

§         The Kiddie Korner – This attraction will highlight a Children’s Art Exhibit and Interactive Art & Craft Projects for Children.  Sponsored by the Ohio State Department of Art Education and the Martin Luther King Arts Complex.

MAY 20 – Remember the Sabbath, at the Second Baptist Church, 186 N. 17^th St. Participants of the African American Heritage Festival are invited to attend service at the Second Baptist Church, Columbus’ oldest African American congregation, or are encouraged to attend a worship service at any church or their choice. 

MAY 20 – Cookout, noon to 3 p.m. on the Oval of Ohio State’s campus.  In its fifth year, the cookout is the culmination of the week’s African American Heritage Festival activities and events.

EDITOR’S NOTE: For more information about the 23^rd Annual African American Heritage Festival, see http://www.osuheritagefestival.com. nter your text body here.

###

(LO)