The Black Women’s Arts Festival brings a powerful, inclusive feeling

The 12th Annual Black Women’s Arts Festival (BWAF) comes to the Rotunda on Walnut Street this weekend, Saturday and Sunday, September 15 and 16 from 1-9pm. This totally free festival is a showcase of multi-media arts performances and exhibitions by self-identified black women featuring music, spoken word/poetry, dance, films, theater, visual and healing arts, and lectures.

Libations, history, dance, fashion, and more

“This year we open our doors with the ancient African tradition of commencing a Libations Ceremony, where we honor the ancestors, orchestrated by Chief Priest Olakunle Oludina of [Wilmington’s] Ile Igoke Yoruba Temple,” explains Amor La Luna, this year’s festival producer.

“Other great highlights of this year include Dr. Daisy Century of the American Historical Theater portraying Harriet Tubman, an introduction to belly dancing class, an African fashion show by Jahzara! Fashion Alchemy and so much more.” The complete schedule can be found on the BWAF Facebook page and images of the artists are featured on the festival’s Instagram.

Spaces for black women

La Luna was clear about the need for this kind of festival.

“Simply, and not so simply put, there are not a lot of spaces for just black women artists in the art scene,” she says. “Sure, we're out here performing, speaking, hosting, creating, directing, producing, coordinating, organizing, running businesses, et cetera…but, sometimes, the voices of black women become muddled or overlooked in places where they should be heard, or even encouraged to be seen.”

Black women face negative stereotypes on a daily basis, so BWAF and other similar current or past events are important, she continues. That’s because “when you can see someone else relate, or share your experiences, that creates a powerful feeling. Platforms for just black women artists change the conversation and introduce new ideas, especially in spaces that are heavily male-dominated.”

“All respectful persons are welcome”

The festival directors are clear that this is an event that welcomes everyone, and they have designed the festival to feel inclusive on many different levels.

“Since our inception in 2003, we have said, ‘All respectful persons are welcome.’ And we mean it!” says Cassendre Xavier, a multi-media artist who is the BWAF founder and director. She notes that the Rotunda is a wheelchair-accessible space and that BWAF is always chemical-free. The venue is safe for people in recovery: “No alcohol or drugs on the premises, and none are needed because the event is so fun and special!” she explains.

It’s also a kid-friendly event — whole families are encouraged to attend — and there will be plenty of amazing food, provided by Atiya Ola of Spirit First Foods, which according to Xavier is “vegan, raw, or vegetarian, absolutely delicious and served with love!”

And if you get inspired to share your own creativity and art at the festival, there will even be an All-People’s Open Mic that welcomes everyone.

The 12th annual Black Women’s Arts Festival is coming up on September 15 and 16 at the Rotunda (4014 Walnut Street, Philadelphia), from 1pm-9pm. It’s free and open to the public.