Heritage Fest Committee Chairs Needed!

To The Ohio State University Community:

The African American Heritage Festival has always been a venue of celebration, education, and collaboration with the African American students as well as the general student population. With a culmination of events and programs over an eight-day period, we hope to continue the rich legacy of the Heritage Festival by building a strong community and sense of unification.

The African American Heritage Festival, formerly known as the “Block Party,” began in May of late 1970’s as a day for students to come together and celebrate the conclusion of the academic school year. For several years, the west campus area near the Drake Union accommodated the celebration. With increased popularity, the “Block Party” had to relocate to various campus locations.

By the 1980’s, a great percentage of students attending the events were primarily African American. Because of a heightened cultural consciousness and collective identification as a community, the “block party” evolved into a celebration of African American heritage. Students later dismissed the name “block party” and adopted “African American Heritage Festival” to adequately represent the purpose of this communal event. The African American Heritage Festival has since evolved into a weeklong celebration! Students have weaved the event into the natural fabric of OSU as well as the Columbus community.

Seven years ago, a movement to further progress the purpose of the festival was introduced by adopting Swahili words, which is the most widely spoken language in Africa. Heshima, the Swahili word for respect, along with the slogan: “It Takes an Entire Village” was adopted as an integral focal point of the Heritage Festival. This movement increased participation from those of diverse backgrounds at all events, with the step show becoming the most evident reflection of plausible campus solidarity.

This past year we celebrated the 31stAnniversary of the Heritage Festival under the theme “(Uzuri) Beauty: Mirror Reflection, Internal Perception.” Our mission was to engage the university and Columbus community in programs that generate an appreciation for the African American experience.

This year, our theme is Journey. Each event will reflect this theme.

If you are interested in serving on one of the 13 Committees, please contact the Bell Resource Center by calling (614) 247-4765 or via email oma-brc@osu.edu to receive the application.