The Odunde Festival, a vibrant celebration of African heritage and culture, marks its 50th anniversary this year in the Southwest section of Center City, Philadelphia. Set to take place annually on the second Sunday in June, this beloved festival stretches over 15 blocks, from 23rd and South streets to Broad Street, showcasing a rich tapestry of African American culture.
Founded in 1975 by Lois Fernandez and Ruth Arthur, the festival began as a community initiative and has blossomed into one of the largest and longest-running African American street festivals in the country. Oshunbumi Fernandez-West, who has spearheaded Odunde for decades, began her journey with the festival long before assuming her current role as president and CEO. She became intimately involved when her mother’s health declined, balancing her responsibilities as a caregiver with her commitment to the event.
Reflecting on the festival’s longevity, Fernandez-West attributes its success to divine guidance. “We have survived 50 years. No one thought we would have survived 50 years,” she stated. Acknowledging her mother’s integral role, she recalls, “My mom said, ‘Well, Odunde is God. You and I are just the vessels.’”
The growth of Odunde was not without obstacles, as Fernandez-West noted that there were attempts to relocate the festival and challenges in securing adequate funding. However, she recounts that “God had the last say” in ensuring its continuation. This commitment reflects not only her mother’s legacy but also the spirit of resilience within the community.
Odunde is more than just a festival; it is an economic driver for the city. A 2015 study by Econsult Solutions estimated that the festival generates over $28 million in revenue for Philadelphia and contributes more than $700,000 in tax revenue. “We must respect the economic driver that Odunde is,” Fernandez-West emphasized, showcasing the festival’s significance beyond cultural celebration.
In addition to the main event, Odunde runs educational and community-focused initiatives through Odunde365. This year-round program promotes African and African American cultural education, hosting workshops on entrepreneurship, African dance, and wellness activities, especially leading up to the festival.
As Odunde looks ahead to 2025 and beyond, the festival will see a generational shift with Fernandez-West’s eldest son, Adeniyi Ogundana, stepping into the role of chief operating officer. His initiative to assist in the management of Odunde not only honors the family tradition but also injects a fresh perspective into its future. Fernandez-West shared a heartfelt message with her son, echoing the wisdom her mother imparted to her: “If you want Odunde, it’s yours. However, God did not put you on this earth to live my dream.”
OdunSports is one of the new initiatives launched by Ogundana, which aims to create a soccer lounge, designed to foster community engagement. “I want to show people this is what Odunde is — bringing people together,” he expressed.
The festival is also poised to be part of the America250 celebrations, with plans for collaboration leading up to the historic milestone set for 2026. Both Fernandez-West and Ogundana are passionate about leveraging this opportunity to promote Odunde and expand its reach in the community.
Odunde remains a testament to the power of tenacity and familial legacy in nurturing a vibrant community. As Fernandez-West aptly puts it, “I want people to know what it looks like when you believe in yourself.” The festival not only celebrates African culture but also stands as a symbol of hard work, resilience, and family bonds that have enriched the Philadelphia community for 50 years. For more information about Odunde and future events, visit their official website.
image source from：https://whyy.org/articles/odunde-philadelphia-festival-50-years/
