African American Heritage Festivals
Celebrating Heritage. Celebrating Culture. Celebrating YOU.
Many cultures are embedded in Mobile’s rich history, but perhaps the African American community is most revered. Annual festivals and events honor, remember and celebrate the significant imprint of Black history on our 300-year-old city.
OWAMBE Festival
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2026 Festival Dates: February 6 & 7
Hosted by All Things Africatown, the annual OWAMBE Festival is a two-day celebration of Africatown's cultural heritage, creativity and community. The festival will feature various events, including community forums, cultural experiences and performances, providing guests the opportunity to honor and celebrate Black culture.
Friday, February 6
⏺ Authors Forum, 9:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. | Mobile Museum of Art
Join Mobile Museum of Art and All Things Africatown for an authors forum centered on the Clotilda story, an intimate, thought-provoking gathering that brings history to life through storytelling, dialogue and community reflection. The forum features authors, historians and cultural bearers who explore the legacy of the Clotilda — the last known ship to bring Africans to the United States — and the founding of Africatown by its survivors.
Through readings, moderated conversations and audience engagement, participants examine themes of resilience, memory, identity and justice, connecting past experiences to present-day conversations about heritage and healing. The space encourages learning, honors ancestors and empowers communities by ensuring the Clotilda story is preserved, shared and passed down to future generations.
We also invite you to visit two compelling exhibitions currently on view at MMoA: JUAN LOGAN: Without Stopping and Vuzumazulu: The Black Solarium, An Abantu Cultural Expose by Abaddon “Apollo” Ben Yakongo. These exhibitions engage themes of history, identity, and cultural memory that resonate deeply with the forum’s focus and will be on view through the end of this month.
RSVP IS REQUIRED FOR THIS EVENT AND CAN BE FILLED OUT HERE.Saturday, February 7
⏺ Live Ancestral Encounter, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. | Africatown Heritage House
A solemn event of storytelling and heritage, where guests will meet with descendants of the Clotilda survivors.
⏺ Interactive Performances, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. | Mobile County Training School
Enjoy a libation ceremony led by Mrs. Deborah Freugson, interactive drumming with M.A.A.D featuring Wayne Curtis, piano performances by Nate Keeby and a Mardi Gras dance hosted by the Prichard Carnival Association. Vendor booths and a food cart will also be available -
BLOGS & MORE
Blog: Depth of Perspective in the Deep South
The importance of Juneteenth is the lens through which the past can be assessed, present redefined and future transformed regarding race relations and the possibilities for all Black people.Blog: Juneteenth to Me
To me, Juneteenth is not only a celebration of independence, but it is also an opportunity to show deep gratitude for the millions of lives who found the strength to survive.
Suggested Itinerary: Our Storied Past
Discover the significant imprint of Black history on Mobile, from the story of segregation to the soulful taste of Black-owned restaurants. Plan your trip today!