The Harrison Museum of African American Culture’s number one fund raising initiative has a birthday coming up – and quite a milestone! The Henry Street Heritage Festival is turning 30! and what an amazing achievement it has been – through all the twists and turns, the ups and downs with the Museum and the Festival still here!
Getting into the grit of this year’s planning requires recognizing the hard work and dedication that is poured into an event of this magnitude. It is through the work of hard working volunteers who, without their dedication, thirty years of producing the largest urban festival in Southwest Virginia, would not be possible. This special and unique festival celebrates the African American cultural experience while keeping the legacy of Henry Street alive. In its heyday – Henry Street was the commercial and social hub of the Roanoke black community before it fell under the control of urban renewal.
The late Melody Stovall (past director of the Harrison Museum) first envisioned the Henry Street Festival. She may not have anticipated it becoming the chief fund raising event for the Museum, but that is what it has grown into over the years. Roanoke and surrounding areas have continually shown up and showed out – showing love and support – and because of you, we are still here!
Important facts about the festival’s history to point out include the first Henry Street Festival was actually held on Henry Street. It was well supported and became a “hit” right off the bat! Over the years, it continued to grow and soon outgrew the original location. Due to many factors such as safe spacing for vendors, parking, electrical problems, etc. – the decision was made to move the Festival to downtown’s Elmwood Park.
Although met with some resentment for moving the Festival from the community where it began, the move proved best for its continuous growing popularity and need for space.
Through the literal storms, we are still here! Over the years, the Festival (and thus the Museum) on occasion has suffered losses due to postponements and changes due to weather, which one year, forced the Festival into the Berglund Center. Also, last year’s hurricane forced the Festival to be postponed into October! Regardless of all this, the efforts and passion to continue the Festival year after has not been “dampened” and continues to grow even stronger each year!
Under the dedicated guidance of the Planning Committee and faithful volunteers, plans for this year’s Festival are set and, as always, the goal is to bring the very best in local and national entertainment, soul food, helpful information, arts and crafts and a festive vibe like no other in this city or the region! That is the number one priority!
So mark your calendar for Saturday, Sept. 14 and bring your party to the Henry Street 30th anniversary celebration! Don’t miss it!
For more information, go to www.harrisonmuseum.com.
