Macknificent Freedom Fest
The Macknificent Freedom Fest is Fort Wayne’s official Juneteenth Celebration presented by The Art Center. It is the vision and mission of Adrian Curry, the CEO and Founder. The Mission of the Macknificent Freedom Fest is to develop Renaissance Leaders and connect people and organizations with a collective approach towards community welfare. The vision is to duplicate the Renaissance Leaders and the Macknificent Freedom Fest locally and abroad. A major goal is to establish a cultural arts campus on the South East Side of Fort Wayne and to connect with the other major arts organizations in the city to bring about a Renaissance.
The Macknificent Freedom Fest is for the people and by the people. Ownership of the celebration was established, since it was recently appropriated by the United States Corporation. This allows the black community to autonomously educate, organize, and celebrate the black community. There is now cultural integrity and control of the narrative, movement, and direction of the celebration.
This year’s 8-day celebration offered something for everyone in the community! On Sunday June 12th, The celebration kicked off with the 2 annual Elders Jubilee at the Historic AME Turner Chapel, where 20 nonagenarians were honored for their lifetime achievement of significant service to the community. There was a guest performance from the Art Leadership Center and Los Galaxy Band. On Monday June 13th, A Taste of Culture cohosted by the Impact Center took place showcasing various black owned food trucks and the diversity of schools of thought in the black community. On June 14th, at the Power of Black Economics Mrs. Nena Bailey educated on real estate, Dr. Zuri Williams taught budgeting and debt relief, and Mr. William Morton gave a 101 crypto currency presentation! June 15th, Smart Art took the forefront educating youth of various ages on science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics. This was fun without wifi!
June 16th, the 2nd annual Lawn and Learn and Reggae Fest was held. The first held at the Impact Center, and the second held and sponsored by the Health Hut. From discussions of issues and solutions in the community to a celebration of Reggae music and culture! June 17th, Smiley Garden Angels and Human Agricultural Cooperative cohosted the 2nd Annual Sowing Seeds Event. People of all ages gathered to learn gardening and nutrition as they picked kale. Ten Thousand dollars in scholarships were awarded to deserving children from the Human Agricultural Cooperative Scholarship Fund. Also on June 17th, Cohosted by the Young Professionals, Cultural Cocktail Fundraising event took place at Connors Rooftop at the Hampton Inn. Deejay Michael Johnson performed live painting and a silent auction to support the Macknificent Freedom Fest and Development of a Renaissance Leader. The ALC Student Leaders put on a special presentation of discipline and determination.
The Celebration hit its peak on Saturday, June 18th with the Keepers of the Light Ceremony, the Art Leadership Center Promenade, and the Mack Fest All Star Basketball Showcase. Mikki Curry opened with the singing of the Black National Anthem, Diana Rogers was awarded the Cozi Mack Award for her lifetime of outstanding service and significant impact in the community, and Midnight Mimosas put on an amazing performance as the Headliner Band. Also, Greg Smith presented the Proclamation making the Macknificent Freedom Fest the Official Juneteenth Celebration in Fort Wayne. Lastly, on Sunday June 19th, the Racial Healing Conference with Dr. Joy DeGruy was cohosted by the Center for Nonviolence and sponsored by Barnes and Thornburg. Dr. DeGruy delivered a powerful presentation on Healing Racial Trauma. This ended the celebration with a sense of peace and a rejuvenated mind.