Happy 50th Birthday Bimbé!
By: Cynthia Booth, Public Affairs Specialist
This year, Durham’s National Award Winning Bimbé Cultural Arts Festival will turn 50 years old. That’s right it’s 50 or as the younger generation would say, fiddy! Now I am going to go out on a limb and divulge a secret. Are you listening? Zoom in real close. Two years ago I turned 50 and it was a big deal. I mean huge! I had a big party and invited all of my friends. Well Bimbé is no different. We are hosting the biggest Bimbé Cultural Arts Festival celebration ever and all of you are invited to attend.
Before I talk about the celebration, let me give you a little history about how Bimbé got started. I am not a gambling person, but I bet you know that Bimbé was created in 1969 by students from Duke University and North Carolina Central University. Yup. It was started towards the end of the Civil Rights era and there was a lot of racial tension in Durham.
You see Duke did not enroll their first African American undergraduate students until September 1963. Even though they were accepted into the school, they were still met with adversity. In 1967, Duke students formed the Afro-American Society to work with university officials to improve race relations. Despite their efforts, racism was still a part of their educational experience.
Due to the lack of progress, some of the Duke students collaborated with students from North Carolina Central University and other area schools to create a Bimbé as a way to honor some of West Africa’s harvest festivals. The name was given to honor the West African harvest and celebration that is designed to give thanks through dance, praise, and feasting. The festival is now a staple in Durham and has been a family tradition for participants of all ages.
Students, community members and those passionate about culture planned Bimbé for years. In the 70’s the event was trustingly put in to the hands of the Durham Parks and Recreation Department where it still is planned today.
Over the years, Bimbé has had a few minor adjustments, modifications, and changes, but that’s not unusual when you are a half a century old. I’ve had my share of adjustments myself. Anyway, we have managed to maintain true to the intent of its founding to celebrate and give thanks through dancing and singing.
This year, the festival will kick off with a full week of pre-festival events. On Sunday, May 12 – Friday, May 17, participants can enjoy a Bimbe 5K by Tobacco Road FC, Jambalaya Soul Academy, Bimbé Community Block Party, Super Jam @ SummerStage, Rhythm and Waves and Bimbé Teen Glow Pool Party.
The celebration will culminate with the festival on Saturday, May 18 at Rock Quarry Park from 12 p.m. – 8 p.m. The festivities will include dynamic entertainment, ethnic food, an interactive kid’s area and more.
Make no mistake about it, this is a Bull City Affair! New this year, the festival will open with the Bull City’s Best, a segment that will feature local artists that were born in Durham. Also a portion of the day will be dedicated to Homegrown Heroes, four great leaders, influencers, and role models who have helped shape the community and touched the lives of many. You’ll learn a little more about them when you come to the festival.
There’s more. We added a Who Knew Corner featuring important issues affecting the African American Community; an African American Quilt Circle, where on-lookers will observe the members quilting and you can participate in the Bullying is Not a Game area as the Durham Police Department (DPD) officers will raise awareness about the issue of bullying while operating a gaming station and compete with attendees in Madden, NBA Live, and other games.
Of course there will be an extensive Family Fun Zone with drum circles, arts and crafts, storytelling, inflatables, face painting and more. The festival will conclude with a performance by national recording artists Juvenile and Dru Hill.
While we will provide free parking across from the park at the Durham County Stadium parking lots, located at 750 Stadium Drive, you can also take the bus. Click here for the bus route. Stay hydrated and enjoy some of that Bull City water provided by Durham H2O 2 Go.
I can really talk all day about the many activities that will be available, but you just need to be there. See you on May 18. I’m out!
Oh, want more details, visit our website for a complete schedule or call 919-560-4355.
This year, Durham’s National Award Winning Bimbé Cultural Arts Festival will turn 50 years old. That’s right it’s 50 or as the younger generation would say, fiddy! Now I am going to go out on a limb and divulge a secret. Are you listening? Zoom in real close. Two years ago I turned 50 and it was a big deal. I mean huge! I had a big party and invited all of my friends. Well Bimbé is no different. We are hosting the biggest Bimbé Cultural Arts Festival celebration ever and all of you are invited to attend.
You see Duke did not enroll their first African American undergraduate students until September 1963. Even though they were accepted into the school, they were still met with adversity. In 1967, Duke students formed the Afro-American Society to work with university officials to improve race relations. Despite their efforts, racism was still a part of their educational experience.
Due to the lack of progress, some of the Duke students collaborated with students from North Carolina Central University and other area schools to create a Bimbé as a way to honor some of West Africa’s harvest festivals. The name was given to honor the West African harvest and celebration that is designed to give thanks through dance, praise, and feasting. The festival is now a staple in Durham and has been a family tradition for participants of all ages.
Students, community members and those passionate about culture planned Bimbé for years. In the 70’s the event was trustingly put in to the hands of the Durham Parks and Recreation Department where it still is planned today.
Over the years, Bimbé has had a few minor adjustments, modifications, and changes, but that’s not unusual when you are a half a century old. I’ve had my share of adjustments myself. Anyway, we have managed to maintain true to the intent of its founding to celebrate and give thanks through dancing and singing.
This year, the festival will kick off with a full week of pre-festival events. On Sunday, May 12 – Friday, May 17, participants can enjoy a Bimbe 5K by Tobacco Road FC, Jambalaya Soul Academy, Bimbé Community Block Party, Super Jam @ SummerStage, Rhythm and Waves and Bimbé Teen Glow Pool Party.
The celebration will culminate with the festival on Saturday, May 18 at Rock Quarry Park from 12 p.m. – 8 p.m. The festivities will include dynamic entertainment, ethnic food, an interactive kid’s area and more.
Make no mistake about it, this is a Bull City Affair! New this year, the festival will open with the Bull City’s Best, a segment that will feature local artists that were born in Durham. Also a portion of the day will be dedicated to Homegrown Heroes, four great leaders, influencers, and role models who have helped shape the community and touched the lives of many. You’ll learn a little more about them when you come to the festival.There’s more. We added a Who Knew Corner featuring important issues affecting the African American Community; an African American Quilt Circle, where on-lookers will observe the members quilting and you can participate in the Bullying is Not a Game area as the Durham Police Department (DPD) officers will raise awareness about the issue of bullying while operating a gaming station and compete with attendees in Madden, NBA Live, and other games.
Of course there will be an extensive Family Fun Zone with drum circles, arts and crafts, storytelling, inflatables, face painting and more. The festival will conclude with a performance by national recording artists Juvenile and Dru Hill.
While we will provide free parking across from the park at the Durham County Stadium parking lots, located at 750 Stadium Drive, you can also take the bus. Click here for the bus route. Stay hydrated and enjoy some of that Bull City water provided by Durham H2O 2 Go.
I can really talk all day about the many activities that will be available, but you just need to be there. See you on May 18. I’m out!
Oh, want more details, visit our website for a complete schedule or call 919-560-4355.
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