THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, May 23, 1996 TAG: 9605240792
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B9 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY KIA MORGAN ALLEN, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: NORFOLK LENGTH: 63 lines
In a celebration of African-American cultural ties and kinship, the AFR'AM Fest opens this weekend with four days of activities laced with ethnic flair.
An estimated 200,000 people will be in downtown Norfolk to participate in the events, which include educational seminars, arts, entertainment and food.
The two-tier program starts with a daylong conference Friday at the Norfolk Waterside Convention Center that will highlight social, political, economic and health issues important to African Americans. On Saturday through Monday, a cultural festival will be located at Town Point Park.
Known as the area's largest celebration of African-American culture and heritage and one of the biggest such festivals on the East Coast, the event is sponsored by the Southeastern Virginia Arts Association.
Organizers say hundreds of volunteers worked to bring the effort to life.
``People were really surprised by the enormity of the festival. It really is a grass-roots effort,'' said Kimberly Johnson, project assistant for the festival.
``The Power Within, People Helping People'' will serve as the guiding principle and motto of the festival.
The opening event will address problems that plague all communities: unemployment, poor health, HIV/AIDS and personal finance.
The conference starts with a welcome by U.S. Rep. Robert C. ``Bobby'' Scott, and a motivational speech by David Crocker, president and CEO of Crocker Associates, an executive consulting firm. Terrie Williams, author of `The Personal Touch' and president of the Terrie Williams agency, a public relations firm, will be the luncheon speaker. Her client roster includes actor Eddie Murphy.
Friday morning also will feature discussions on good nutrition, personal finance, economics and the legacy of blacks in the Bible. Friday afternoon's workshops will focus on the African-American family, business grammar and writing, HIV/AIDS in the African-American community and buying real estate.
Organizers ``want to try to convey the message, `People Helping People' in one way or another whether in the health field or business,'' Johnson said.
AFR'AM switches gears Saturday. The weekend cultural festival, which runs through Monday, will include a Liberation Trail exhibit that showcases pictures and biographies of African Americans who have made significant contributions through history.
The display will feature fashion, communication, daily living and other facets of African-American history that have helped shape today's culture.
A Saturday evening concert featuring balladeer Brian McKnight will be one of many highlights. The cultural festival also will showcase gospel music, jazz, the visual arts, food and fun.
Throughout the holiday weekend, vendors from across the country, and some from Africa, will occupy the stretch between Plume street and Martin's Lane during the three-day cultural infusion.
Festival-goers also will find plenty of foods from diverse cultures. Jamaican dishes, African delicacies, Greek, Oriental and American foods will satisfy the palate of hungry participants.
At the fine-arts area, an array of original work from national and local artists, priced from $10 to $1,000 plus, will be displayed. Artists also will take part in a judging for the best portrait. The winner receives a monetary award. ILLUSTRATION: Graphic
CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
[For complete graphic, please see microfilm] by CNB