By Aria Brent
AFRO Staff Writer
abrent@afro.com
On July 4 South Baltimore’s Cherry Hill neighborhood put community and culture on full display with the Cherry Hill Arts and Music Waterfront Festival.
For nearly a decade the festival has been shining a light on the many contributions Black people have made to the arts, all the while showing off their southside pride.The event is still full of family-friendly fun, interactive and educational activities and of course, fireworks.
Members of the gospel group R.E.I.G.N. bring a message of peace and hope to those gathered for the Cherry Hill Arts and Music Waterfront Festival. (AFRO photo / Alexis Taylor)
“This is my fourth or fifth year coming,” said Charles Dugger, a retired school teacher and community activist. “They like me to come and talk about Kwanzaa. We try to use the principles in everyday life.”
Dugger spoke on how vital the festival is in bringing the city together.
“We have to find a common denominator,” he said. “I used to teach in this community long ago and we try to say that we are more alike than different.”
Similar sentiments were expressed by Maryland Comptroller Brooke Lierman.
“I never miss the Cherry Hill Arts and Music Waterfront Festival,” she said. “It’s an important event here in South Baltimore. It brings people from all over the region together for resources, music and great food. I love coming here every year, seeing old friends and making new ones.”
Betty Baze, who serves as chair of the bylaws committee for the Cherry Hill Development Corporation.
“It’s very important for people to come out,” said Baze. “This is the eighth anniversary of this free festival and this is a great time for people to come meet people, love people and enjoy different cultures.
Baze spoke with the AFRO about working with the Cherry Hill Development Corporation and how it helps make Baltimore a better place.
“It’s good to have participation in community organizations, it helps,” she explained. “We work together and pull together when things are needed in the community for all ages.”
The one-day event featured performances from Sister Carol featuring Nakeeba Amaniyea, N’Dea Davenport, Navasha Daya, the Latin band, Orquesta Nfuzion, and many other artists.
The historical Black neighborhood is home of many notable figures of the past and present, including Congressman Elijah Cumings, Jazz singer Ethel Ennis and Judge Robert Bell.
