If you’re one of the million-plus visitors who stroll the Annapolis City Dock each year, you will have noticed the sculptures of a man reading to three enthralled children. This sculpture is part of the Kunta Kinte-Alex Haley Memorial, which commemorates Alex Haley, author of Roots, and his ancestor, Kunta Kinte, who arrived in Annapolis from Gambia on a slave ship in 1767. It is in this same location that the Kunta Kinte Heritage Festival (KKHF) is held every year, as a celebration of the perseverance and cultural heritage of Africans, African Americans, and Caribbean people of African descent. After a hiatus in 2020, the festival is back this year and celebrating its 31st year!

 

WHAT: The Kunta Kinte Heritage Festival is a free family friendly event that has something for everyone. Some of the exciting events will be a fashion show, a children’s tent of activities, a wonderful variety of food vendors, gardening demos, a comedy show, and music and dance performances on three stages including this year’s headliner, Junkyard Band.

 

You can also check out local artisans’ creations at the many clothing, art, and crafts vendors. To see some featured vendors, check out KKHF’s Facebook page!

 

WHERE: Susan Campbell Park at Annapolis City Dock (Susan Campbell Park is the brick-paved area with benches where the City Dock Parking Lot meets the water.)

 

WHEN: Saturday, September 25, 2021 from 10:00am – 7:00pm

 

TRANSPORTATION: If you plan to drive into town, there are plenty of parking garages to choose from. A free shuttle will also be available, picking up at several destinations including the Navy-Marine Corps Stadium Pinnacle Parking lot, Maryland State Archives, and The People’s Park. Click here for more information on the shuttle.

 

HEALTH SAFETY: In the interest of keeping everyone safe and healthy, the festival will have on hand masks, hand sanitizer, and wipes provided from the local health department. Masks are recommended for all attendees, regardless of vaccination status.

 

Alex Haley once said, “In all of us, there is a hunger, marrow-deep, to know our heritage—to know who we are and where we have come from.” The Kunta Kinte Heritage Festival aims to feed that hunger by celebrating the history and culture of Africans, African Americans, and Caribbean people of African descent.

 

Be sure to mark your calendar for Saturday, September 25, 2021 and join us at Annapolis City Dock to honor the strength and spirit of Kunta Kinte.