As the nation’s oldest African American theatre, Karamu House is not only a powerhouse for Black culture — but a gathering place for the community. Join Karamu for Freedom Fest every summer to honor the day enslaved Africans were freed with a super-sized Juneteenth Celebration, and again in December for its annual seven-day Kwanzaa celebration and critically hailed production of “Black Nativity.”
Image © Larry E. Highbaugh, Jr.
In September, the lens turns to the 11th Annual Greater Cleveland Urban Film Festival, showcasing the voices and visions of minority filmmakers. Held in the city’s Shaker Square neighborhood, GCUFF curates selections that reinforce positive images and dispel negative stereotypes, along with providing inspiring youth programming.
When winter rolls around, Cleveland celebrates Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and Black History Month in a big way — with local institutions all over the city offering a wide array of programming and special events. For the former, the Cleveland Orchestra pays orchestral tribute to Dr. King with a celebration concert, while for the latter, the Cleveland Cavaliers host a multi-week Black Heritage Celebration.