Savoring the Diaspora: Sacramento's Community Black Food Festival

The Annual Black Food Festival made its vibrant return to Florin Square on September 7, celebrating food, culture, and community enterprise. Now in its seventh iteration, the festival has evolved from a grassroots initiative into a significant community highlight, honoring the diverse flavors of the African diaspora while empowering local entrepreneurs and artists. Curated by Berry Accius and his daughter Ade’Jah, the festival remained anchored in culinary delights while showcasing a variety of Black-owned businesses in Sacramento. Attendees enjoyed games, refreshing beverages, music, craft vendors, and artistic displays. Jordan from Jordan J Art showcased new pieces featuring iconic figures such as Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. Meanwhile, vendor Sarah Mustafa presented her non-toxic soy candle line, Sun Kissed Scents, while Ken Rudolph served delicious vegan Afro-Caribbean dishes. Linda, another favorite vendor, delighted attendees with generous portions of West African cuisine. The festival provided essential visibility and direct interaction for many vendors, which are often elusive in conventional retail environments.