A GDN EXCLUSIVE
By Tracey C. Morrison
All photos are a courtesy of R&B at Festival Park
For centuries, women have played a crucial role in contributing to culture, history, and justice. Some of these roles, as seen in the remarkable lives of influential figures like Madam CJ Walker, Ida B. Wells, Harriet Tubman, and Mary Church Terrell, have broken free from conventional stereotypes women faced in a male-dominated society.
The influence of these extraordinary women throughout history has echoed across generations, moving women to launch inventions like 3D inventor and NASA scientist/physicist Valerie Thomas, being that powerful voice in an era of the Jim Crow dark time to push for voting inequality like Fannie Lou Hamer, daring to be different by creating the first Black Barbie like Kitty Black Perkins, inspiring the world with soothing words like Maya Angelou, or even running for president like Shirley Chisholm, who paved the way for Kamala Harris to run.
Those inspirational testimonials tell stories of how far women have come to bring about a significant impact that inspires all. This year’s Women’s History Month’s theme is “Moving Forward Together! Empowering Women to Shape Future Generations,” which serves as a reminder for females to continue to carry the torch of the legendary women, move forward together, make their mark in their respective sectors, and empower and educate generations of girls.
That inspiration is the model of these four Fayetteville Black female business owners, Shakeyla M. Ingram (Haus Host, LLC), Cerina Thomas (No Longer Bound ENT), Courtney Banks-McLaughlin, and Tracey Morrison (Route 87, LLC), who will embark on an exciting adventure with their second annual event, R&B at Festival Park.
These trailblazers are bringing something special, similar to music festivals in other larger cities, to the 910.
WHAT IS R&B FESTIVAL PARK?
R&B at Festival Park is a prominent outdoor music festival, a “big family cookout,” as co-organizer Thomas best describes. It includes musical performance line-ups singing a combination of old-school and new-school songs. It promotes a social gathering and vibrant culture of R&B lovers in the Fayetteville community and surrounding areas.
Alongside the captivating music performances, the event supports businesses through vendors and food trucks, promotes visual arts, and allows guests to enjoy fun games, enhancing attendees’ cultural experience and social mood.
The event is also one of the driving forces of the city’s economic development for the community to live, work, and play model.
THE BIRTH OF R&B AT FESTIVAL PARK
The emergence of the music festival unfolded when the ladies dined out to eat in celebration of Gossip Over Art, hosted by Route 87 duo Banks-McLaughlin and Morrison at the Fayetteville Arts Council on May 20, 2023. Ingram and Thomas took part in the duo’s engaging event at the time, with Ingram as the main speaker while Thomas dazzled the audience with a lively skit performance.
The event was so successful that the ladies experienced immense joy and reveled in their victory. That’s when the ladies came up with a brilliant idea to team up and bring a R&B festival to Festival Park. On October 7, 2023, a group of passionate Black women brought the event to life with the inaugural R&B at Festival Park. Ayana Washington, CEO and founder of Book Black Women Inc., was also part of the first inaugural festival park.
The first festival was very successful, creating an exciting and lively atmosphere and setting the stage for what’s to come in the future. The ladies are joining forces again to deliver an exhilarating and memorable festival that R&B music lovers will not want to overlook.
DETAILS OF THIS YEAR’S R&B AT FESTIVAL PARK
This exciting musical festival will begin at 4:00 pm on Saturday, April 5, 2025, and keep attendees entertained until 9:30 pm. The venue is Festival Park, 225 Ray Avenue, Fayetteville, NC 28301.
Fel Davis, the lead singer of the iconic 90s group Public Announcement, will take the stage as the musical headliner for a performance that promises to be truly memorable. Gifted singer Dez Humphrey and Radio Boxx Musick will dazzle the crowd with their live performance. The festival’s hosts, the dynamic duo of TikTok sensation Nate Daye and the charismatic RJ Da Vibe are ready to excite the crowd. Meanwhile, the talented DJ Yodo will set the stage ablaze and energize the audience.
R&B at Festival Park expands beyond music and promises to deliver an unforgettable artistic journey for all who attend. The incredibly skilled, self-taught artist Reddick Mack, famously known as “Kognoscenti,” will host a sip-and-paint session. For just $10.00, attendees can pay for this exciting art activity with their ticket purchase. Sip-n-Paint Session 1 kicks off at 4:30 pm and wraps up at 5:00 pm; Session 2 follows closely from 5:05 pm to 5:35 pm; and finally, Session 3 takes the stage from 5:40 pm to 6:10 pm.
Attendees can expect fun games, a vibrant art garden, food trucks serving a variety of cuisines, and vendors from various sectors.
COLLABORATING FORCES EQUAL SUCCESS
In a remarkable movement, these women spearheaded a music festival almost two years ago, inspired by their love for music, art, and Black culture. Their collaboration in bringing this music festival showcases the incredible power of women uniting for the good of the community. This event is more than a mere celebration of music, culture, and art; it is a powerful testament to what women can achieve when they move forward, like the great women in their sectors, to unite and collaborate.
