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Umoja Festival Events
• Wednesday, Sept. 17, 7 p.m. - Community Forum
"Ballers and Shot Callers…Never Losing Sight of the Game" An open-forum that explores challenges, temptations, inspirations and how to stay focused on the game of life and …not the hype or stardom. The lineup for the community forum includes:
William Fuller – A four-time NFL Pro-Bowl selection, and one of the top 20 all-time sack leaders. Member of the VSHF Class of 2004. (Topic: Life after Retirement)
Ken Easley – 1991 College Football Hall of Fame inductee. Member of the VSHF Class of 1998. (Topic: Education and Financial Preparedness) • Bobby Dandridge – A three-time NBA All-Star. Member of the VSHF Class of 1992. (Topic: Challenges – Yesterday and Today)
Yvonne Upton – Parent of current Major League Baseball stars B. J. and Justin Upton. (Topic: Parental Roles – Preparing for Life)
Stephanie Dunmyer – Head Women’s Basketball Coach, Virginia Wesleyan College. (Topic: Recruiting – Focusing on Goals)
Bruce Rader – MC for the Community Forum. In his 29th year as Sports Director of WAVY-TV 10 and WVBT Fox 43.
Free Admission | Virginia Sports Hall of Fame
Please plan to arrive by 6:30 p.m.
• Thursday, September 18 - 2nd Annual Golf Tournament
Download Flyer for more details (PDF)
For more information call Art Williams at 757-393-8481, ext. 4125
• Friday, September 19, 5:30 p.m. - Processional/Parade
The parade normally begins at City Hall and proceeds to the Umoja stage for the “official” opening. The Opening Ceremony usually includes African drummers, dancers, City Council Members, City Manager, City employees, Citizens and High School bands.
• Friday, September 19 - Permission from the Elders
In African rituals, ceremonies and celebrations, permission to host such an occasion is usually given by the Elders in the community who are sought for their wisdom and knowledge. The City of Portsmouth normally solicits several of the oldest citizens to participate in re-enacting this 18 year tradition.
• Friday, Sept. 19, 7:30 p.m. - Step For Unity
The Divine 9 plus 1 comprised of Historically Black College Fraternities and Sororities will compete for trophies and bragging rights in the Umoja Festival’s First Step Show at the NTelos Wirless Pavilion.
• Step for Unity Competition Forms (PDF)
• Friday, Saturday and Sunday - Exhibits, Food and Culture
Food vendors will showcase African and African-American cuisine, art, carvings, basket weavings, quilts/throws, oils, emulsions and etc. Exhibitors will provide information relative to health and health screenings, education, books/reading, and etc. Festival Site.
• Saturday, September 20, 9 a.m. - 2nd Annual Victory Walk
Sponsored by the Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation
On-Site Registration - 7:30 a.m. - 9 a.m.
800-345-8223 or 757-393-2892
Download Flyer for more details (PDF)
• Saturday, September 20, 10 a.m. - 11 p.m. Exhibits, Food and Culture
• Saturday, September 20, 2 - 2:30 p.m. Portsmouth Pearls Praise Dancers / Umoja Stage
• Saturday, September 20, 2:30 p.m. - African-American Heritage Tour
African Americans have made significant contributions to Portsmouth, from the Revolutionary War to the present. To learn more about the impact and influences made by African Americans to our city’s history, we invite you to take the African-American Heritage Tour during this year’s Umoja Festival.
• Saturday, September 20, 2:30 - 3 p.m. Rhythm Project / Umoja Stage
• Saturday, September 20, 3 - 4 p.m. 4IIC Band / Unity Stage
• Saturday, September 20, 4 - 5 p.m. Tidewater Drive Band / Umoja Stage
• Saturday, September 20, 5 - 6 p.m. Sweet PAPA Blues / Unity Stage
• Saturday, September 20, 6 - 7 p.m. Groove Street Band / Umoja Stage
• Saturday, September 20
Stephanie Mills, Jeffrey Osborne, and Midnight Star
Orchestra: $34.00
Gold Circle: $34.00
Lawn: $16.00Present a military ID at any Ticketmaster outlet or the box office and receive $3.00 off Gold Circle seats purchased.
PLEASE NOTE: All shows are rain or shine. All dates, times, and artists are subject to change without notice. A facility and parking fee is included each ticket price. Additional Ticketmaster charges will apply.
www.pavilionconcerts.com
• Sunday, September 21, 12 noon-7 p.m.
• Sunday, September 21, 2 - 3 p.m. Star 94.1 Gospel Showcase
• Sunday, September 21, 2:30 p.m. African-American Heritage Tour (see above for details)
• Sunday, September 21, 3 - 3:15 p.m. Eric Taylor, Gospel Violinist / Umoja Stage
• Sunday, September 21, 4 - 5 p.m. Group Determination Jazz / Unity Stage
• Sunday, September 21, 5 - 6 p.m. Forte Jazz / Umoja Stage
• Sunday, September 21, 6 - 7 p.m. Against All Odds Jazz / Unity Stage
