7AM Documentary Kick – Off 2016 Black Arts Festival at the Epic Theater
Kalamazoo, MI-The Black Arts & Culture Center kicked off the 30th anniversary of the culture celebration. The showing of documentary, 7AM, directed by Jason Black and features Dr. Claud Anderson, Shalamar Blakely, A’Leila Bundles, Umar Johnson, Morris Levine, Brett Pulley and Don Peebles.
Show-cased before the viewing of the documentary, Black owned business from the community. The businesses and community members were able to share in fellowship and support small businesses by helping to keep the money generated, local.
In 1986, three organizers of the Festival (Gail Sydnor, Lois Jackson and James C. Palmore) wanted the African American Community in Kalamazoo to celebrate the creativity, culture,arts and appreciate the accomplishments of others contributing to a culture of greatness. 30 years later the BACC continues to flourish with with art, art exhibits, cultural events, classes, theatrical plays, movies, dance, poetry, resource materials and meeting space. Since 2001, BACC has been located in its current location at the Epic Center.
Since the beginning of 2015, Yolonda Lavender has held the position of Executive Director of BACC and continues to full fill the organizations mission and community outreach.
The Black Arts Festival 2016 has a full schedule of events throughout the week and various locations in Kalamazoo.
