In 2015, five friends came together to intentionally interrupt white spaces by taking over a city park with Black bodies. Inspired by the traditions of Black August and Durham’s rich Black legacy, they set out to create a space to creatively inspire and connect people of African descent to assert their value and engage in social and cultural change.

The event grew to become much more than a festival. It embodied a belief that social justice becomes more powerful when people can experience it, not just talk about it. That’s why Black August in the Park isn’t designed around headliners. It’s designed around Black folks building community.

The vision is to become a Global South homecoming where Black people from around the world gather to honor Black August traditions and imagine what’s possible when we choose to build together.

As the world gets louder and feels more isolating, every August we invite you to get free at Black August in the Park.