Detroit, MI – June 2, 2025 – The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History is proud to announce the return of the African World Festival, Detroit’s largest celebration of African and African American culture. Taking place July 18–20, 2025, at Hart Plaza, this three-day cultural experience will honor the LEGACY of the African Diaspora and commemorate the 60th anniversary of The Wright Museum.
Each year, the African World Festival draws more than 20,000 attendees from across the region and beyond, uniting people through the beauty, strength, and spirit of African heritage. This year’s event promises a powerful blend of music, art, food, education, and community, designed to uplift and inspire.
“This year's festival is not just a celebration—it's a homecoming, a cultural reunion, and a tribute to the generations who paved the way,” said Neil A. Barclay, President and CEO of The Charles H. Wright Museum. “As we mark our 60th anniversary, we invite everyone to reflect, rejoice, and build together for the future.”
Festival Highlights Include:
- Opening Night Celebration (Friday, July 18): A powerful evening of live performances, spoken word, and cultural showcases reflecting the global Black experience.
- World-Class Entertainment: Music, dance, and performance art from top local, national, and international artists of the African Diaspora.
- African Marketplace: A bustling vendor space featuring handcrafted goods, fashion, art, and home items from Black-owned businesses.
- Children's Village: Family-friendly activities, storytelling, and crafts that encourage cultural pride and creativity.
- The Food Pavilion: A flavorful journey through African, Caribbean, and soul food traditions that nourish body and spirit.
- Cultural Conversations & Panels: Engaging dialogues led by scholars, creatives, and community leaders on heritage, identity, and social progress.
Admission Information:
African World Festival is free for all Charles H. Wright Museum members. Membership offers exclusive benefits and helps support the preservation of Black history and culture.
For more information on festival programming, membership, and vendor opportunities, visit www.thewright.org or follow @thewrightmuseum on social media.
About the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History
The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History was founded in 1965 and is in the heart of Midtown Detroit’s Cultural Center. The Wright Museum’s mission is to open minds and change lives through the exploration and celebration of African American history and culture. And Still We Rise: Our Journey Through African American History and Culture — the museum’s 22,000 square foot, immersive core exhibit — is one of the largest, single exhibitions surveying the history of African Americans. The Wright Museum houses over 35,000 artifacts and archival materials and offers more than 300 public programs and events annually.
Media Contacts:
Char Yates, Dir. Media Relations
cyates@thewright.org
313.494.5839
Kelly Miner, Marketing & Communications Manager
kminer@thewright.org
313.494.5865
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