June 12-13, 2010
Center House, Fisher Pavilion, SC Pav.

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Traditional drumming and dance set a rhythmic tone for a weekend filled with continuous live entertainment. Festival Sundiata celebrates African-American heritage with dance, gospel, jazz, neo-soul, hip-hop and an African marketplace. The festival is named for the legendary 13th century West African Mansa "king of kings" of the Mali Empire, King Sundiata, who rescued his people’s storyteller and keeper of oral history. Festival Sundiata presents a collective and compelling picture of the African and African-American journey. Presented by the Sundiata African-American Cultural Association.

Did you know?

The Reverend Dr. Samuel B. McKinney, Pastor Emeritus of Mount Zion Baptist Church, Seattle, WA, is a legendary leader of the civil rights movement, classmate and friend to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and co-author of the classic "Church Administration in the Black Perspective." Dr. McKinney is cited by Ebony magazine as one of America’s top black preachers. He founded Liberty Bank, the first black-owned bank in the Pacific Northwest, along with a day care center, kindergarten and scholarship fund that annually awards $20,000 in academic scholarships. Another legacy is the Samuel Berry McKinney Manor built in 1998, across the street from the church. The residence has 64 units, 40 of which are for low-income residents. Dr. McKinney is a recipient of multiple honorary degrees and remains active in the Seattle community today.

Thanks to our Festival Sundiata: African-American Celebration sponsors