By Tricia Hall
The Truth Reporter
The 18th annual African American Festival welcomed hundreds of attendees during the two day celebration, but especially for the star-studded concert.
Saturday’s concert was moved from the original Promenade Park location due to weather into Glass City Convention Center in downtown Toledo. Vendors were lined up alongside the Jefferson Street entrance and guests, once inside, enjoyed the musical talents and entertainment provided by: Stokely, Freddie Jackson, Ginuwine, and The Zapp Band, event music delivered by DJ Lyte N Rod, performance by Darius Coleman and comedy performance by Kelly Williams.
Notable performer Freddie Jackson set the mood by serenading the crowd with a full set of songs including, ‘Rock Me Tonight’ and ‘You Are My Lady.’ The Zapp Band presented an electrified performance that include a full set of songs including, ‘Be Alright,’ ‘I Heard It Through The Grapevine,’ and ‘Computer Love.’
At the conclusion of The Zapp Band set, Suzette Cowell, CEO of Toledo Urban Federal Credit Union, and Toledo City Councilman John Hobbs III presented The Zapp Band with a proclamation.
“On behalf of the City of Toledo and Toledo City Council. I want to present you with this proclamation,” said Hobbs.
“Thank you, Thank you. Toledo and my friend, Suzette, this honor lets me know that God is real,” explained The Zapp Band representative.
The festival weekend kicked off with a Friday prayer breakfast at The Toledo Museum of Art Glass Pavilion and Saturday’s parade in the morning, community day at the Glass City Center in the afternoon and Festival Concert starting at 3:00 p,m.
Festival sponsor: Toledo Urban Federal Credit Union. Festival supporters: Toledo Lucas County Port Authority, Toledo Museum of Art, University of Toledo,the Blade, TARTA, ECDI, 13abc news station, City of Toledo, Fifth Third Bank and Buckeye Broadband.
