African American festival showcases area’s heritage and culture

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — It was a weekend of gospel singing, jazz music and eclectic exhibits.The third annual Southeastern North Carolina African American heritage festival was held in Wilmington.

The festival started Saturday morning. On Sunday, a “battle of the choirs” competition was held between gospel choirs in the surrounding areas.

Live entertainment, good food and vendors were available both days to showcase the rich African American culture in our area.

“We want to do an event like this every year to just preserve the African American heritage and bring dollars into the African American community as well as the Wilmington community,” said Bernice Johnson, a festival organizer.

Johnson says more than 1,000 people came out to the festival.