Welcome

Please join us for the
25th Anniversary of the
Kunta Kinte Heritage Festival

The Kunta Kinte Heritage Festival will celebrate its 25th anniversary
10 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on September 29, 2012
on the occasion of the historic date of September 29, 1767 when Kunta Kinte was brought to Annapolis in bondage.

Kunta Kinte, an ancestor of author Alex Haley, was the main character in Haley's best selling 1976 novel, Roots: The Saga of An American Family, which was adapted to the widely popular 1977 television miniseries, Roots
Aboard the slave ship Lord Ligonier on September 29, 1767

The Festival's location at the Annapolis City Dock is significant and appropriate because it was the site of Kunta Kinte's arrival to America. Kunta Kinte was one of 98 slaves brought to Annapolis, Maryland, aboard the ship Lord Ligonier in 1767 and despite many years in bondage, he never lost his connection to his African heritage. Kunta Kinte's experience symbolizes the struggle of all ethnic groups to preserve their cultural heritage. The site is now memorialized with a statue of Alex Haley.

The Kunta Kinte Heritage Festival Committee is pleased to announce that the Kunta Kinte Festival is now a City of Annapolis sponsored event and appreciate Mayor Josh Cohen and Alderwoman Sheila Finlayson for recognizing the cultural, economic and historic value of this event for the citizens of Annapolis.

"There has been an outpouring of support from political leaders, entrepreneurs and individuals. Because of their encouragement and generous donations we are looking forward to another successful event," said Ruby Singleton Blakeney, Kunta Kinte Heritage Festival Chairperson.

The Kunta Kinte Heritage Festival Committee and the Kunta Kinte Foundation Board of Directors will combine its efforts for the anniversary celebration by kicking off the event at the Kunta Kinte Memorial with a reenactment of Kunta Kinte's arrival. A procession led by the Annapolis Drum and Bugle Corps will then march to the festival site at Susan Campbell Park at the Annapolis City Dock.

"The festival is appropriate for everyone to attend to highlight the contributions that African Americans have made to our society," said Ms. Blakeney. “In past years, hundreds of thousands of diverse patrons from around the globe have come to know and enjoy this event. I expect to see many of these regular patrons as well as new ones," she said.

To obtain information about the event, participate as an artist, exhibitor or vendor, or make a tax deductible contribution, please contact us at kuntakintecelebrations@gmail.com