Columbia Prepares for Exciting 46th Jubilee Festival Celebrating African American Culture and Community

Columbia Gears Up for the 2024 Jubilee Festival

Are you ready, Columbia? The excitement is building as we inch closer to the 2024 Jubilee Festival, which is set to take place on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at the historic Mann-Simons Site. This beloved festival, which first brought the community together in 1978, is a vibrant celebration of African American culture and creativity—and this year marks its 46th annual event!

A Celebration for All

The Jubilee Festival has become a cherished tradition in Columbia. Enjoying its reputation as the oldest running festival in the area, it promises a day filled with music, art, dance, and scrumptious food. The fun will begin at 11 a.m. and go until 6 p.m., inviting everyone to join in the festivities completely free of charge.

Artistic Highlights and Performers

Music will undoubtedly be a crowd favorite. This year’s entertainment lineup includes the talented TiffanyJ, local favorites like the Master Splnta (a.k.a. FatRat da Czar), the Francis Marion University YGB Gospel Choir, and funky beats from Nahi Grūv and Black Nerd Mafia. TiffanyJ, who also serves on the festival’s steering committee, expresses her excitement saying, “There’s so much diversity in Black culture. Not only will you hear my R&B/soul music, we’ll have African drumming, a fashion show, hip hop, and some smooth jazz!”

In addition to music, families can enjoy a special treat with the appearance of TiffanyJ’s superhero character, Super Beauty, who promotes self-esteem, bringing joy for kids and adults alike.

Fun for the Little Ones

And it doesn’t stop there—kids are in for a day of fun too! The festival has planned a special Kids Zone, where young attendees, affectionately labeled as “Jubilee Juniors,” can dive into activities like free books, an ice cream truck, and face painting. Families are encouraged to partake in guided tours of the Mann-Simons House, a key historical landmark!

Historic Significance

The Mann-Simons Site isn’t just a casual backdrop for this festival; it is steeped in history. Once home to the Mann family, notably Celia Mann and Ben Delane, the site stands as a testament to the resilience and tenacity of African Americans from the 1840s onward. This festival grounds have seen numerous uplifting stories stitched into the fabric of Columbia’s past, challenging social norms and building community.

Emily Brown, marketing director for Historic Columbia, explains the importance of holding the festival at this historical site: “If we were planning a festival for 8,000 people and we didn’t care where the location would be, something like the Fairgrounds would make a whole lot more sense. But we would never, ever think to change the location because of its importance.” This deep-rooted connection to Black history is irreplaceable.

A Glimpse of History

Festivalgoers will have the unique opportunity to take guided tours of an 1890s era cottage once occupied by Modjeska Monteith Simkins, a renowned civil rights activist known as the “Matriarch of Civil Rights” in South Carolina. Bus tours of nearby historical sites further enhance the educational aspect of the festival.

Keep the Legacy Alive

As TiffanyJ puts it beautifully, “I just want people to leave inspired to keep the train rolling. We have the charge to not only embrace history and learn it, but to keep the history moving forward.”

So mark your calendars, Columbia! September 21 is destined to be a day filled with joy, community spirit, and rich cultural experiences. Join in on the celebration at the Mann-Simons Site and help continue this cherished tradition for generations to come!