The 90-degree heat did not deter a crowd of Hoosiers from filling the Taggart Memorial Amphitheater at Riverside Park for the third year of Black: A Festival of Joy.
The event, presented by Ganggang, featured vendors, music and live performances. A line of food trucks was on hand to keep the crowds fed including local favorites like The Grub House and Gip Got Tips barbecue.
“Black: A Festival of Joy aims to leave behind what divides us and instead focus on what brings us together,” Ganggang said in a statement released to the Recorder. “This movement celebrates the vibrant diversity and collective strength of the Black community — fostering unity, empowerment and a profound sense of shared joy.”
Black: A Festival of Joy boasted live performances by headliner BJ The Chicago Kid, Austin Dean Ashford, SoundsbyCam, the Soul Lounge Band, Forgotten Tribe, Brooke Billion$, DJ Strick and the Asante Art Institute (AAI).
AAI was first in the lineup of performers to present an excerpt from their upcoming show, “Soul Clap and Dance.”
“(This festival) is right in line with what we’re trying to put out on stage — joy as resistance.” said Deborah Asante, founder and artistic director of AAI. “It’s all our traditions that we have put together to survive. Because without (joy), who said we would still be standing?”
A collective of Black organizations and individuals came together to bring Black: A Festival of Joy to fruition.
According to a statement from Ganggang, “It’s time that we describe ourselves by who we are and specifically, our joy,”.
Contact Editor-in-Chief Camike Jones at 317-762-7850.
Camike Jones is the Editor-in-Chief of the Indianapolis Recorder. Born and raised in Indianapolis, Jones has a lifelong commitment to advocacy and telling stories that represent the community.
Another beautiful & wonderful event at the park. See you guys next year!!!