For more than 30 years, the Black Arts Festival has captivated audiences with and eclectic mix of song, dance, art and food, all capped off with a parade. The festival has always been a celebration of black art and culture, but at its core, its has always been intended to be much more. Noticing work representing black artists were largely absent from more traditional venues, the festival’s founders set out to ensure that art from their community was seen and heard and artists were highlighted.