Every year, one of Roanoke Valley’s signature events comes to Elmwood Park. More than a celebration of Black culture, the Henry Street Festival also honors a rich legacy.
Now in its 35th year, Not Your Average Everything partnered with the Harrison Museum on Sept. 19 to help add a family reunion experience to the festival.
The free event ran from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. This year, the festival shifted its focus from a national headliner to highlighting local talent and the region’s rich history.
Several acts were given a platform to showcase their talents: Y.U.N.G.E.N.S., Alisha Scott, Kuumba African Dance, The 33:3 Collective, DJ Revenant, Tony Camm & The Funk Stars, NE Groovers and DJ Showtime. Once the music started playing, attendees immediately began dancing and singing along.
While this year wasn’t Aaliyah Jacobs’ favorite, she says she still had a great time with her family.
“I was here the years that Robin Thicke, Jagged Edge, Marsha Ambrosius, SWV and Slick Rick performed. Not having a big-name act did impact the overall number of attendees, in my opinion,” she said. “You can tell the event organizers did the best they could do with what they had. It was nice to see people of all ages get in on the action. A highlight for me was doing the Cupid Shuffle dance with my parents then supporting the food vendors afterward.”
Local business owner Tai’Nisha Savoy says the festival carries deep significance. Understanding that an event of this magnitude does not happen in a vacuum, she is grateful anytime someone inquires about her business.
“It is called ‘Smiles, Bling & Things.’ A few years ago, I was on hospice and I needed something therapeutic to do,” she said. “I started to design ties and other items. Before long, people began to take notice. The festival exceeded my expectations this year. The amount of support was overwhelming.”
Throughout the event, Humble Hustle Podcast host Brian “Bear” Simpson interviewed attendees and asked what their favorite Henry Street Festival memories were. One person said meeting the love of his life. Another mentioned meeting different individuals who eventually became lifelong friends. Many others noted the live performances.
Said Humble Hustle Director of Brand Engagement Austin Bratton, “Leading up to Saturday, we shared more of the story behind Henry Street through our #RememberingHenryStreet conversation with Eric Beasley, Board Chair of the Harrison Museum of African American Culture. The conversation gave additional context on the history of the festival, its relationship to the museum, why community support matters and what the future of Henry Street can look like.”
