2016 African American Festival Advisory Board Adds Top Business Leaders

2016 African American Festival Advisory Board Adds Top Business Leaders


The African American Festival just announced an impressive addition to its 2016 Advisory Board adding Radio One Founder and CEO, Cathy Hughes, KWL Enterprises’ Kevin Liles, and author Christina “Zane” Roberts.

This board brings together some of the most accomplished and experienced professionals in their field to provide insight and knowledge to the festival’s growth and visibility as it commemorates its 40th Anniversary.

The Festival Advisory Board provides leadership for AAF by offering overall guidance, fundraising assistance, programming ideas, and long-term direction for the festival.

Advisory Board members are representative of the festival audience, and in many ways they serve as the festival’s “eyes and ears” in the community–providing valuable feedback to the staff regarding festival operations, and serving as advocates and community ambassadors for the festival.

“Baltimore City is ready to present the African American Festival on a national stage,” says the Honorable Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, Mayor, City of Baltimore. “The 2016 AAF Advisory Board represents some of the best from business, politics, and entertainment. I am looking forward to celebrating the Festival’s 40th anniversary and know it will be an extraordinary weekend for everyone in attendance.”

Check out the 2016 African American Festival Advisory Board below:

  • Calvin C. Butler, Jr., Esq. — CEO, Baltimore Gas and Electric
  • The Honorable Elijah E. Cummings — Congressman, U.S. House of Representatives
  • Donald C. Fry — President and CEO, Greater Baltimore Committee
  • Stephanie C. Hill — Vice President and General Manager, Lockheed Martin Ship and Aviation Systems
  • J. Kirby Fowler, Jr. — President, Downtown Partnership of Baltimore
  • Cathy Hughes — Founder and Chair, Radio One
  • Diane L. Bell-McKoy — President and CEO, Associated Black Charities of Maryland
  • Kevin Liles — Founder and Partner, KWL Enterprises
  • Kweisi Mfume -  Chairman, Morgan State University Board of Regents
  • Christina “Zane” Roberts — Author, Executive Producer, Philanthropist
  • Dr. Sheridan Todd Yeary – Senior Pastor, Douglas Memorial Community Church
  • Mimi Roeder Vaughan — CEO, Roeder Travel

Hosted by actress and producer Vivica A. Fox and actor and writer Jonathan Slocumb July 4th weekend, the festival includes performances by Common, Mary Mary, Joe, Estelle, Angie Stone, Anthony Brown & group therAPY, Goapele, Maurette Brown Clark, Joe Maye, Ex Music and Ruff Endz.

The weekend also features art exhibits, cultural displays, and empowerment conversations for two fun-filled days for the entire family.

Get ready for the African American Festival’s 40th Anniversary with this recap video:

For festival updates and more information about the African American Festival, visit www.africanamericanfestival.net.


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