The Roswell Roots Festival, a month-long celebration honoring Black History Month, is marking its 25th anniversary this year with 25 different events.
The origins of Black History Month date back to 1926, when historian Carter G. Woodson established Negro History Week to recognize the achievements and contributions of Black Americans.
Five pillars of performance, education, art, culture, and history shape festival activities taking place across Roswell in February, said Roswell Cultural Arts Coordinator Al Stilo.
The festival was started in 2001 by the Groveway Community Group and is now produced in partnership with the city of Roswell.
Film screenings, live music performances, comedic and dramatic shows, and even the popular Bid Whist card party are in the lineup. “Fragments,” a Roswell Roots juried art exhibit is on display through March 26 at Roswell Cultural Arts Center. Mixed media, collage and found objects are featured reflecting “the idea that a fragment represents a beginning, not an end.”
Planning for the festival has become a year-round effort. Members of the Roswell Roots Committee, made up of local residents and Stilo, began organizing this year’s programming last March. Roswell Roots Committee Chairperson Mary Lucas said.
“People can learn [our Black history] in many different ways,” Lucas said. “If you come to a performance, you will get a history lesson.”
Seven highlights in the 25th Roswell Roots Festival
History to Hip-Hop, Feb. 1. A live performance at Roswell Cultural Arts Center tracing the evolution of African American music featuring a seven-piece band led by vocalist Jonathan Blanchard, who will guide audiences through musical traditions ranging from spirituals, jazz and country music to rock ’n’ roll and hip-hop.
Dad’s Garage Theatre Company, Feb. 7. Blackground, the all-African American improv troupe, performs at the Roswell Cultural Arts Center.
“Bailey-Johnson School & Community” documentary, Feb. 11. A screening of the film featuring former students reflecting on their experiences at the North Fulton school they attended during segregation. The screening will be held at the Roswell Cultural Arts Center.
Voices of the Soul: Jacob Lay Live, Feb. 15. The Baritone opera singer has performed with The Atlanta Opera, Knoxville Opera, Des Moines Metro Opera, and other companies. He will appear alongside the Roswell Music Club for an evening of music and conversation at Roswell River Landing.
Booker T. Washington and American Leadership, Feb. 21. Actor John Doyle will perform a one-man show presenting the thoughts and leadership of the educator and first president of Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute, which is now Tuskegee University.
“Young John Lewis in Concert,” Feb. 26. Through hip-hop music and spoken word, the Theatrical Outfit show reflects on 10 formative years of the late civil rights icon. The event will be held at Roswell Cultural Arts Center.
William “Bluesman” Reid and the Juke Joint Dukes, Feb. 28. Old school blues in the spirit of Muddy Waters, B.B. King, and other legends will be performed at the Roswell Cultural Arts Center.
A full list of events is available on the Roswell 365 website.
