In celebration of Juneteenth, Kinfolk Fest is set to take place this Saturday at Waterfront Park, bringing together live music, art, food, and a sense of community.
The festival, organized by SD Melanin, aims to create a joyful space for Black professionals and the larger San Diego community to come together.
Founded by Lauren Cobbs in 2017, SD Melanin has worked hard to grow Kinfolk Fest from a small gathering to a flagship celebration.
Cobbs recalls the early days of the festival, stating, “Our first Juneteenth was at fair 44 before it was officially recognized. It was a mini festival with about 150 to 200 people, and I’ve always had this vision to expand it into something more substantial for San Diego.”
The name “Kinfolk Fest” signifies the importance of community and chosen family, emphasizing the bonds created among attendees.
“Kinfolk is rooted in kin, referring to family, but it also represents our community and everyone who comes out to celebrate together,” Cobbs explains.
At this year’s festival, Jojo Jones, the art curator and founder of the Black Liberated Artists Collective, has collaborated with local artists to infuse the event with meaningful visual art.
One standout piece is a Juneteenth flag created by artist Jennifer Swindell, designed to reflect culture and unity within the community.
Jones describes the flag as not only a representation for Black Americans but also a piece that allows individuals from all backgrounds to see themselves reflected.
In addition to art, Kinfolk Fest will feature an array of performances, with artists like Aaliyah Sheffield, TJ, and Romel Wallace, who will host the event.
Cobbs expresses her excitement for the people who will attend, saying, “I’m really committed to creating a safe space for joy, where people can truly be themselves without any judgment.”
Both Cobbs and Jones emphasize the importance of building community through these celebrations, especially in the face of ongoing challenges and societal strife.
“Coming together with purpose means more now than ever,” Jones states, highlighting her own journey of connecting with the local arts community.
Cobbs also reflects on the significance of joy as a form of liberation.
“Juneteenth is about celebrating American history through the lens of our ancestors while fostering joy and community. If we don’t curate these joyful spaces, who will?”
Kinfolk Fest promises to be a vibrant celebration not only of Juneteenth but also of the resilience and creativity of the Black community in San Diego.
The event is scheduled for June 14th, from 12:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Waterfront Park, and promises to deliver a day filled with culture, fun, and community spirit.
image source from：https://www.kpbs.org/podcasts/kpbs-midday-edition/s-a-cosby-discusses-latest-thriller-ahead-of-san-diego-event
