The Wright's 39th African World Festival

A NOTE FROM THE PRESIDENT & CEO

On behalf of myself, our board of trustees and The Wright Museum family, we wish to express our deepest gratitude to the community, the City of Detroit and our sponsors for your support of the African World Festival over the past weekend.

Your support, especially during these trying times, is truly appreciated.  Your attendance at the festival enabled us to have one of the most successful festivals in its nearly 40-year history. It is not only the museum’s signature summer festival, but we believe it’s the community’s festival as well. Thanks to you, the African World Festival is our region’s largest celebration of the African diaspora and growing.   

We would also like to take a moment to thank our sponsors, Ford Motor Company and Fifth Third Bank, and the numerous other sponsors without whom the event would not be possible.  Your sponsorship is integral to our ability to serve our community and to improve the quality of life for all.  

Thank you again for your support.  We are looking forward to the 40th Anniversary African World Festival in 2023!  

Neil A. Barclay 
President & CEO

PS: To our hundreds of new members, a heartfelt welcome to the Wright family.  The year ahead will provide many more opportunities for you to experience the richness and vibrancy of African American culture and its profound effect on American life. 

Relive the Experience

2022 Headliners

• Mama Sol
• Lizz Wright
• The Legendary Wailers
• Seun Kuti
• Kierra Sheard
• We Are Scorpio feat. jessica Care moore + Steffanie Christi'an

Friday, July 15

FORD MAIN STAGE            
Official Opening Ceremony 
Cam Anthony 
Detroit Rocks the Runway! feat. Mama Sol

PYRAMID ARTS STAGE  
Apropos
Lady Champagne, Blues vocalist
Cha Wa, New Orleans contemporary/traditional

HERITAGE WORKS CULTURAL VILLAGE
African Drum & Dance Performances, Master Classes & Audience Participation

WATERFRONT LOUNGE
Live DJ sets, food & drink featured at the scenic riverfront

Saturday, July 16

FORD MAIN STAGE            
Libations with Rev. Shamayim Harris
Zania Alake'
Tamerrian Institute of African Martial Arts
Libations with Mama Jatu Gray       
Nanou Djiapo
Lizz Wright
The Legendary Wailers

PYRAMID ARTS STAGE
Ed Stone & the Flowmasters
Justin Robinson, Violinist
Tazeen & Lufuki
MENDTHOL
Detroit Windsor Dance Company
Deekah Rox
Motor City Music Cartel: Marshall Allen, Stubbs Girls & The Funk Brothers Tribute Band
In the Tradition

HERITAGE WORKS CULTURAL VILLAGE
African Drum & Dance Performances, Master Classes & Audience Participation

WATERFRONT LOUNGE
Live DJ sets, food & drink featured at the scenic riverfront

WATOTO VILLAGE
Arts & Crafts, Games & Fun for youth and families!
Al-Nur African Dance Troupe
Debra Orr, Puppeteer

Sunday, July 17

FORD MAIN STAGE            
Libations with Dr. Kefentse Chike
Praise & Worship Dance Hour 
Kierra Sheard
Libations with Okomfo Afiba Anum Amoa
Presentation: Honoring Our Elders & Ancestors
Seun Kuti
We Are Scorpio feat. jessica Care moore + Steffanie Christi'an

PYRAMID ARTS STAGE
Ahya Simone, Harpist
Solar Sundays with Asa Bey
M.S.G. Acoustic Blues Trio
Detroit Public Theater
Haleem Stringz, Hardcore Detroit & Ronald Ford Jr, QWNTYM & Friends
Thornetta Davis

HERITAGE WORKS CULTURAL VILLAGE
African Drum & Dance Performances, Master Classes & Audience Participation

WATERFRONT LOUNGE
Live DJ sets, food & drink featured at the scenic riverfront

WATOTO VILLAGE
Arts & Crafts, Games & Fun for youth and families!
Ballet Folklorico de Detroit
Al-Nur Dance Company
Debra Orr, Puppeteer

Can't Wait for Next Year? Join The Wright!

Members enjoy all The Wright has to offer throughout the year—annual memberships start at $35 for individuals and $65 for families. In addition to free admission to African World Festival, museum members receive the following year-round benefits:

• Free unlimited museum admission for one year
• Invitations to members-only exhibition previews
• 10% discounts in the Museum Store
• Discounted pricing on select museum events
• And more!

Explore Memberships

Partners:

McDonalds / Jamjomar 
Infinite Technologies LLC 
Detroit Tigers 
Bally Sports Detroit 
Absopure 
Keep Growing Detroit 

Made possible with additional support from:

City of Detroit 
State of Michigan Department of Civil Rights  
Fifth Third Bank Foundation  
Belle and Don Barden Foundation, Inc. 
Community Foundation of Southeastern Michigan 

Ford Foundation  
Knight Foundation Fund at CFSEM  
Ralph C. Wilson Foundation  
William Davidson Foundation  
DTE Energy Foundation  
The Kresge Foundation  
Michigan Arts and Culture Council 
Hudson-Webber Foundation  
Erb Family Foundation  
Marvin and Betty Danto Family Foundation  
The W.K. Kellogg Foundation 
R. and W. Polk Foundation