Festival History

The African-American Community Heritage Festival began in 2000. The founder, State Representative Dawnna Dukes, envisioned a family-friendly community celebration noting the contributions and achievements of African Americans. Since partnering with ProArts Collective, AMERIGROUP and Huston-Tillotson University, the festival has become a notable feature amongst the Black History Month celebrations in East Austin. The festival will be located on the grounds of Austin's own historically black institution, Huston-Tillotson University, and will feature musicians, craftspeople, artists, games and activities for children, food and living history exhibits.

The fun filled, one-day event features food vendors, interactive and educational activities for children and a variety of artistic performances. Children's activities will be centrally located in AMERIGROUP's Kids Zone and will include child-friendly entertainment such as finger puppet-making, free bicycle helmets, and/or much more. Adults can enjoy step shows from fraternities and sororities, slam poetry, live music, dance and, local crafts and artisan work. The festival also has a health fair component; providing basic health testing, health insurance and nutritional information which is an added benefit particularly to minority communities where health disparities are so prevalent.