Celebrate Black History and culture on September 21 at Jubilee Festival

September 19, 2024

WHAT:

Jubilee is a FREE community festival where attendees can explore a diverse marketplace featuring local vendors, and delicious food and beverages at the food court; dive deeper into local Black history by taking a free tour of the historic Mann-Simons Site and Modjeska Monteith Simkins House, both located on the festival grounds, or hop on a free Black history bus tour; or get hands-on with history when visiting our demonstration artists and try making crafts like Abayomi dolls and sweetgrass baskets. The Kids Zone will offer activities such as robotics demonstrations, free books and face painting, and special visits from SCETV’s Smart Cat, Riverbanks Zoo Animal Ambassadors, and more. Jubilee is hosted by Historic Columbia.

WHO:

This year’s main stage entertainment lineup will be headlined by Sunshine Anderson and includes performances by TiffanyJ, Master Splnta, Francis Marion University YGB Gospel Choir, Nahi Grūv, Black Nerd Mafia, and more. The main stage emcees are Jeffrey Lampkin and Shamara Afia of the Big DM.

The Kids Zone will include demonstrations and performances by Super Beauty, SCETV’s Smart Cat, DJ Roy Neptune, Riverbanks Zoo, Bhakti Larry Hough, and more. The Kids Zone emcee is Miss Columbia 2024 Jordyn Lewis.

WHERE:

The event will take place on the 1600 block of Richland Street and the 1900 and 2000 blocks of Marion Street.

WHEN: 

Saturday, September 21, from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

WHY: 

What began 46 years ago as a small outdoor gathering on the Mann-Simons Site has grown into a large celebration that explores the rich history and vibrant culture of Columbia’s Black community. Historic Columbia partners with many sponsors and community organizations to create a celebration for all ages that explores the many facets of the history and culture.

Additional Information:  

  • This is a rain-or-shine outdoor festival.
  • The event is FREE and open to the public.
  • Street parking may be a challenge given anticipated high attendance and proximity to the Greek Festival, so please plan ahead.
  • Media are invited to capture footage of the festival and performers.
  • Historic Columbia staff and Jubilee Festival steering committee members will be available for media interviews. Contact Emily Brown at (704) 813-6276 in advance of the festival or once on site to set up an interview.

We look forward to celebrating Jubilee with you on Saturday!

 

About Historic Columbia

In November 1961, a small group of individuals intent on saving the Ainsley Hall House from demolition officially incorporated as Historic Columbia. Over the next five decades, the organization, which was founded on the premise of preservation and education, would take on the stewardship of seven historic properties in Richland County. Today, the organization serves as a model for local preservation efforts and interpretation of local history. Visit historiccolumbia.org or find us on FacebookInstagramX (Twitter), and YouTube for more details.