Dionne Walker from Baltimore area participated in some of the first AFRAM festivals when Urban Services Agency (USA) funded it. She expressed concerns for the current festivals in comparison to the previous ones and how there needs to be more investment to the festival for the Black community.
Can you tell me a bit about yourself and what you did at AFRAM?
I like Baltimore and I performed when AFRAM was part of the Urban Services Agency which was part of the Cultural Arts. I did the Dance component of the Cultural Art and did some piano as well. I grew up in dance and performed in the first Nut Cracker 1976 in the Cultural Arts.
What made you want to be part of the AFRAM Festival?
It started with Norman Ross and it was a given that we were able to have the freedom of being accepted as performers. It was important because I performed around the city, at jails etc. AFRAM was always a big thing at Rash Field and Festival Hall. Being part of AFRAM allowed us to showcase different performers and community groups.
How long did you participate in the festival and what did you participate in?
I started around Middle school through a period of Sophomore or junior of high school." You had to be a certain age (around 14 years old) to stay an expanded amount of time in the festival.
What was the energy like at the AFRAM festivals you participated in? Did people seem to enjoy themselves?
Biggest thing was there was a sense of connection and community. Even though you were performing in a specific group, you were there because your community was there or you agreed to participate because of the connections you had with others. There was a taste of "local flavor." I think this has changed either in how we support and how the city has changed in their investments. I would always wonder why there is more attention to local events such as Artscape. The sense of connection has changed. When I participated you could easily support your friends and this attitude was really promoted and supported. You could perform in the earlier AFRAM with no worry. Our community is not as strong as it used to be, that maybe why it was more dis-connective.
"Maybe this was because you were free to be whoever you were and it was a huge coagulation of black culture."
Did you observe any specific thoughts or feelings from visitors there?
I have talked to people older who say AFRAM is not the same and I think it is because of the disconnection. The city has to become invested in the festival again. The Greek Festival and the Artscape can still have their festival. It is something that is just different when it comes from AFRAM because of the shortening in the amount time, the change of the name, constant switch in venue, and less local fair.
Would you participate again in future festivals, if so what makes you want to come back?
I would want to participate again in future festivals if the city is pushing for a change in organization and incorporate more investment. If the city also pushed that you were included in the event and not would just give you a short period time. The city keeps a lot of funding which changes the purpose and motivations with festival. I believe having some grassroots organization to showcase the festival would be beneficial and make it more genuine.
Any thoughts on the current AFRAM Festival and its organization/location etc.?
I went to the last one in Camden yards and it was just a bunch a vendors. It didn’t feel there were different groups doing different types of performances.There just seemed to be a big draw on the headliners and everything else was by wayside. I remembered the art galleries, and informational galleries on history about Black influences and these are things we in the black community are happy to be part of. This was Norman Ross’s vision.
Is there something you would want someone else to learn about the AFRAM Festival and remember?
"A big part of it is, "Black communities" made contributions as well. We are active and we are good members of society. We don’t get a chance to showcase this normally".
