Festival Sundiata (pronounced: Soon-jah-tah), is the longest running African American festival celebrated in the Pacific Northwest and Seattle, holding its first festival in 1980. The festival is named in honor of the Sundiata Keita, the historic and legendary Mansa (King of Kings) of the Mali Empire in West Africa. King Sundiata rescued his people’s griot and created one of the most significant cultural and economic kingdoms in Africa.
The festival shares and celebrates African-American culture with the broader community through the talents of local artists, musicians, youth groups, vendors, historical displays, culinary delights, and more. This is the feel-good event of the year! The reunion of the community! Festival Sundiata shares the love and passion of Black folks who have been systematically sidetracked from the total expression of their heritage and history.
Highlights include:
- Live music – R&B, funk jazz, hip-hop, gospel, reggae, African, and more – from local and national guest artists including: Stokley & Band, The Original Lakeside, - Glenn Jones, Angela Winbush, Binky Womack, Kalimba, plus many others
- The Ultimate Art Exhibit and Kickoff Party: featuring local African American artists
- Delicious, culturally relevant dishes and beverages with Taste of Sundiata
- A marketplace with over 80+ vendors
- A variety of children's activities
- The award-winning American History Traveling Museum: The Unspoken Truths
