DOWNTOWN TEMPE, AZ
By Nichelle Hutchinson
Downtown Tempe celebrated our freedom from slavery with a party featuring Black-owned businesses, artists, food vendors, entertainment, and even a skating rink! When you first arrive at the entrance, vendors such as Stand 22 Blessings are lined up, showcasing their talent and businesses.
There was a storytelling booth that presented some history, while different business owners came up and shared their journeys. Near the food trucks, you could hear Y2K R&B, hip hop, and rap playing in the background.
Crowds and long lines filled the area, bringing the festival to life. Chizuko hyped up the audience early, while many performers on the main stage captivated our attention. A fashion booth even hosted a fashion show!
There was also a free 30-second video booth where you could stand on a platform while it captured a video, giving you the perfect Instagram post or a private family memory.
Food vendors such as Big Mama’s offered banana pudding, milkshakes, and jerk beef, with crowded lines filled with people waiting to grab a delicious bite.
Local artists showcased their paintings and stopped to speak with art enthusiasts who admired the artwork on display and available for purchase. The paintings varied from symbolic art and portraits to pieces inspired by television shows that brought a sense of nostalgia.
The event was filled with different types of artists, including writers, comic book artists, jewelry makers and fashion designers. There was even a skating rink where attendees could spend time skating and enjoying themselves.
Downtown Tempe threw a celebration that was not just about freedom, but also about showing the transformation, creativity, and success within our community.
Nichelle Hutchinson
Junior Creative Writing major at Arizona State University with strong communication and writing skills. Combines creativity with a proven track record of reliability, teamwork, and consistent performance through four years of work experience.