Dancing in the Streets at the Black History Month Celebration Family Festival in Inglewood
The City of Inglewood hosted its 3rd Annual Black History Month Celebration Family Festival. The free, family-friendly celebration was held on Saturday, February 22, 2025. The event was held Downtown on Market Street between Regent and Nutwood.
By Ricky Richardson | Contributing Writer
(Inglewood, CA) – The City of Inglewood hosted its 3rd Annual Black History Month Celebration Family Festival. The free, family-friendly celebration was held on Saturday, February 22, 2025. The event was held Downtown on Market Street between Regent and Nutwood.
On another beautiful day in Southern California, thousands attended the popular festival celebrating the rich history and vibrant culture of African Americans.
It was great to see guests from all walks of life strolling up and down Market Street. People danced in the street at the Queen Street stage and further south near the Nutwood Stage.
The 3rd Annual Black History Month Celebration Family Festival featured music, dance, a beautiful art display, speech contest winners, and health screenings. The marketplace featured stylist clothing, unique, one-of-a-kind jewelry and accessories.
Vision, blood pressure, and glucose screening were accessible for all in attendance. Private organizations and government agencies were onsite to engage with the public and offer valuable information and resources. Issues of importance to the African American community were discussed including health and mental health.
The Queen Street Stage was hosted by Adai Lamar from Radio Free, 102.3 FM, KJLH. The show got underway with several exceptionally talented students from Youth Orchestra Los Angeles (YOLA). The group was superb during their moment in the spotlight, performing select jazz standards.
Oya Thomas, (Photo by Ricky Richardson)
The Spirit of Oya brought on the energy. The leader, Oya Thomas is a proud resident of Inglewood and a renowned singer, sought-after motivational speaker, and “soul-centered strategist”. Her set featured gospel songs and speeches that were inspiring and uplifting.
The highlight of the celebration is the annual Black History Month Speech Contest open to K-12 students. Four winners delivered their speeches in front of a captivated crowd consisting of parents, family members, teachers, school administrators, and the general public. The students spoke eloquently and passionately to the theme “What does Black History mean to you, and how does it shape your perspective of daily life?” A winner from each grade category received a cash prize ranging from $350 to $650 for their 2 to 5-minute speeches.
Erin Stevenson, (Photo by Ricky Richardson)
Singer Erin Stevenson took it up a notch as she thoroughly engaged and entertained the crowd with a set of originals mixed with some classic old-school selections.
Irie Earth Steel Pan Band took the crowd and me on a musical journey to the Caribbean. Irie Earth Steel Pan Band enthralled the crowd with an upbeat set of Soca and Reggae, to the delight of all in attendance.
Biscuits and Gravy, (Photo by Ricky Richardson)
It ain’t nothing but a party. This statement always rings true whenever you see the name Biscuits and Gravy on the lineup. Biscuits and Gravy capped off the 3rd Annual Black History Month Celebration Family Festival with a crowd-pleasing set of funk, R&B, and soul. This trifecta of music genres had the party people DANCING IN THE STREETS!
The cultural celebration featured an exciting lineup of entertainment on the Nutwood Stage, hosted by DJ Qwess Coast and Aje Jaye, rocking the ones and twos. The Nutwood Stage showcased the amazing talents of Pizzle & A 1 Krushn, Karega Bailey, Charlie Bereal, Thurz, Iman Europe, India Shawn, and Kenyon Dixon.
