By The Continuous News Desk

Published: August 6, 2009

It’s time for the annual Umoja festival and this year’s lineup promises a diverse group of entertainment.

The festival, which has an annual attendance of more than 30,000 people, brings together people in East Tennessee and across the region to celebrate African American culture, diversity and the acceptance and education of other cultures.

View a slideshow from last year’s events.

The East Tennessee State University Storytelling – Umoja Festival partnership brings storyteller Linda Goss and a West African tradition-bearer, Obakunle Akinlana and his ensemble to the festival stage this Friday and Saturday.

The events, held on the grounds of the Freedom Hall Civic Center in Johnson City, includes storytelling, food, cultural merchandise, information booths, medical screenings, games and music.

The Umoja festival opens with a grand opening event, which includes a call of the drums, along with Shaka Zulu, an African stilt-walker, and a dance company.

“The word Umoja means unity in Swahili, and that’s exactly what this festival is about – unity,” Brenda Whitson, executive director of the Johnson City Convention and Visitor’s Bureau stated in a recent press release. “Besides being a family-friendly weekend event, the festival provides an exceptional educational experience. It represents various cultures and their traditions through an entertaining, storytelling experience.”

If you’re interested in attending the Umoja Festival, held Friday, August 7 through Saturday, August 8, see the schedule of events below:

Friday, August 7

5 p.m. Opening Ceremony / Call of the Drums with Rev. Vincent Dial and Shaka Zulu
5:30 p.m. Amythayst Phillips
6:30 p.m. Storytelling with Obakunle Akinlana
7:15 p.m. Scat Cats
8:15 p.m. Shaka Zulu
9:15 p.m. Risse

Saturday, August 8

10 a.m.    Parade
1-6 p.m.  Classic Cruise-In
1-11 p.m. Water Wars
4-9 p.m.  Children’s Carnival
12-5 p.m.  Health Fair (Northeast TN Minority Resource Network)
1-3 p.m.  Gospel Fest
3:30 p.m. Shaka Zulu
4 p.m.    Rhythm of the Ridge Drum Circle
5 p.m.    Reggae Infinity
6:30 p.m. Workshop with Kuumba Watoto Dancers and Drummers
6:30 p.m.  Shaka Zulu with Kuumba Watoto Dancers and Drummers
7:30 p.m.  Storyteller
8:15 p.m   Xavier (Comedy)
9 p.m.     Free Flow