Why Black-n-Brownfest?

For some, the first question is why have a Black and Brown festival in the first place? As a co-founder and coordinator I can only really answer this question from a personal point of view. As a person of mixed ethnicity I have always found it natural to cross the barriers from one culture to another. What I have experienced through that exposure is insight and enrichment. As I worked specifically in the Near Westside of Indianapolis I discovered that about 70% of the population was Black or Latino. Along with that discovery was the reality that while living in the same neighborhoods those communities were very separate. While there are similar struggles both communities endure when it comes to equity and inclusion, there are striking differences between immigrant families who migrated to the U.S. and Black families born here and raised in the struggle for equality.

Without going into a long historical or academic explanation, there are inherent traits both communities need from each other to become stronger. As immigrants the Latino community still retains much of their family structure and ability to unify together for common goals. Because the Black community has systematically had their family structure destroyed from slavery to the modern prison pipeline, joining with the Latino community helps remind and remodel the positive bonds that support healthy relationships and trust within community. Convexly, the Latino community can often struggle with barriers that include language, and navigating educational, work, and political power structures. Working together with Blacks who have organized to create changes in systems and awareness internationally for their struggles can help expedite progress for Latinos experiencing some of the same barriers.

On a more positive note there are numerous cultural intersections between communities tied directly to the migration from Africa. A shared heritage in Music, Food, Dance, and Art. In order to foster relationships between residents it only made sense to first celebrate the culture that currently exists. The first inaugural Black-n-Brown Soulidarity festival featured 5 local bands that represent both cultures as well as a fusion of sounds. We also featured 40 different organizations interested in providing services to the Black and Brown communities, ranging from health to education and jobs. We hosted 3 different dance companies as well as a theatre troupe performing throughout the day. Festival goers enjoyed sampling food and a Soulidarity Mural created by two artists representing both cultures. Most of all, families who naturally have both cultures represented in their heritage found a space where they could celebrate each side of their ethnicity in a way that embraced the whole, and not just parts of their lived experience.

There are so many positive aspects to gathering these two communities together we have yet to explore. My hope as a coordinator is simply to help provide a platform for others to take ownership for themselves. To give space for residents and organizations to empower themselves and educate others in their unique perspectives. I am looking forward to the 2022 festival as an explosion of Black and Latino Soulidarity and Pride!

Ben Rose- Co-founder and Coordinator