The Heart of the Hill: Harambee Festival Fosters Unity and HeritagE
By: Jordan Jackson
The Will Packer Amphitheater was filled with rich Black culture and the heritage that Florida A&M University (FAMU) proudly celebrates. The ninth annual Harambee Festival closed out the month, celebrating excellence in Black culture and community.
A FAMU student live-paints at the festival, highlighting the intersection of community heritage and student artistry
- Harambee Festival 2026
The day-long event was a rhythmic blend of culture and commerce, featuring live music and performers, with the scent of flavorful food in the air. As one of the most anticipated festivals in Tallahassee, the day proved that community doesn’t show up to celebrate; they show up to support businesses that keep the unique artistry and significance of Black people alive.
To kick start the festival, FAMU President Marva Johnson, J.D., had a few words that emphasized the legacy, heritage, and traditions of the ‘Hills’. In her speech, she emphasizes that FAMU has been the No. 1 public HBCU in the nation for seven consecutive years. She also recognized trailblazers, from elite athletes to state senators, who show the power of Black women in leadership. Her words helped ignite a spirit of pride that set the stage for festivals like Harambee, which are vital.
“Black History Month is a time to remember. But at Florida A&M University, we do not need a calendar to remind us of who we are. We live it. We produce it. We prove it, every single day.”
Vernon Bryant is the man with the vision and the execution behind this festival’s success. Bringing this festival home to ’The Highest of Seven Hills’ was intentionally done by him to center the celebration in the heart of where culture is thriving. Bringing unity and bridging gaps are what he strives for every year.
“It’s been said, ‘Home is where the Heart Is’; therefore, there’s no place like home, “The Hill”. It’s time for the community to take a visit to the campus to see the historical campus we call Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, home of the Mighty Rattlers.”
Even as the festival delved into culture, it highlighted the importance of education and the opportunity to explore the various colleges and programs FAMU offers. Recipients received a “passport” to travel around the tables to learn more about campus benefits and academic opportunities. This part of the festival fosters fellowship and unity.
Unity reached far beyond Tallahassee, with business owners traveling from across Florida and neighboring states, such as Georgia, to be part of the celebration. The marketplace served as a vibrant showcase of heritage, from the intricate jewelry to Afrocentric fashion like dashikis. The sweet fragrance of handmade shea butter and essential oils serves as a tangible link to an ancestral recipe being passed down through generations.
“We are a clean beauty space. We sell plant-based organic products, like a shave or a black soap. Our soaps are made with manuka honey, olive oil, shea oil, coconut oil, sweet almond oil, and turmeric.”,
A display from Bling Bling Blessings Mobile Boutique showcases the creativity and craftsmanship present at the festival.
- Harambee Festival 2026
The entertainment of the day catered to the many layers that contribute to the greatness of Black culture. From the soulful harmonies of the FAMU Gospel Choir to the high-octane performances by Tau Beta Sigma National Honorary Band Sorority and the Beta Nu Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., the stage never slowed down. A highlight of the afternoon was the crowd engagement; Nicole Everett, instructor of Tallahassee Line Dance Class, taught line dances that turned the amphitheater into a massive family reunion, showing exactly how community is formulated.
The FAMU Gospel Choir moved the audience spiritually and emotionally, and the closing acts by BK Jackson and Ashanti Floyd shifted the energy, leaving the air infused with soulful R&B and jazz vibes.
BK Jackson delivers a rhythmic R&B performance, setting a soulful sound for the community.
- Harambee Festival 2026
Having a festival right in the local community, accessible to students, faculty, and residents in the FAMU area, allows them to experience the legacy that continues to grow and flourish. The opportunity to celebrate Black culture is not just a one-day event; it’s a commitment to the tradition that continues to move Tallahassee forward.
“ Making jewelry is a way to be creative together, cultivate community, and then bond while making something beautiful to share with the world, which contributes to what the festival is all about.”
