LAURINBURG — For the visitors of the 27th annual Kuumba Festival, the food and music were what made the event., along with the crowning of the Kuumba Queen.
Roughly 2,500 visitors attended the festival that began Friday with the Kuumba Pageant, that promotes African-American heritage through music, attire, and food.
Reigning over this year’s festival were Kuumba Queen Denish Hill; Kuumba Princess Darasia Williams; and Kuumba Jr. Princess London Miller.
Although the pageant took place Friday, participants gave a performance at Saturday’s event prior to the crowning of the three winners.
“Looking back the most successful part from Saturday was witnessing families come out and enjoy themselves with great success,” said Daniel Dockery, president of the African American Heritage Committee. “It was a pleasure to see the entertainment, vendors, and see the community severed by way of the festival.”
The annual Kuumba Festival in Laurinburg seemed to achieve much of what organizers hoped, with individuals enjoys the African-American cuisine and music.
“I have quite a few favorites, the pageant when they crown the princesses and the queens, I like the food, and I love the music,” said Elaine Matthews, a Laurinburg native who enjoyed a turkey leg at Saturday’s festival.
Exactly 40 vendors were present at the festival, selling everything from collard sandwiches, hot dogs, and popcorn to traditional African clothing, jewelry, and posters.
“There are a lot of people and it’s hot, but it’s a pretty cool festival,” said Tiese Bridges, a Laurinburg native who has been to the festival multiple times. “My favorite part is definitely the food. The collard sandwiches, the funnel cakes, shaved ice are all great.”
The festival began in the mid-1980s as a cultural exposition featuring the Chuck Davis Dance Company. In 1990, it was named Kuumba for one of the seven principles of Kwanzaa. Kuumba means creativity in Swahili.
Janice Edins of Laurinburg said it was good to be out at the festival on Saturday after missing the last two due to health.
“Seeing the queens crowned and everything is my favorite part of the festival. It’s also nice to look around and see everyone enjoying themselves sand having a good time,” Edins said.
