A Celebration of Culture and Community at Bookerfest
For nearly 50 years, Bookerfest has been a cherished event in Rockford, Illinois, bringing together residents to celebrate African American culture, community spirit, and excellence. After a brief hiatus, the festival has made a strong return and continues to thrive. This year’s event is set to take place from July 18 to July 20, drawing attendees to the Booker Washington Community Center, located at 1005 S. Court St.
The atmosphere at the festival was lively on Saturday, following a morning of storms that cleared up just in time for the festivities. The sun shone through, and the air was filled with the sounds of laughter and the aroma of delicious food. Attendees described the event as feeling like one big picnic, where families and friends gather to enjoy each other’s company.
Vendors lined the event space, showcasing their products and services to the local community. The festival not only offers entertainment but also serves as an opportunity for businesses to connect with residents and promote their offerings.
Bookerfest has a rich history, having started over half a century ago and running for many years. However, it faced a temporary setback that led to its pause. Fortunately, the event made a comeback around three years ago, and organizers are now working hard to rebuild and grow the festival once again.
Beth Ann Beal, who grew up attending events at the Booker Washington Center, expressed her excitement about the return of the festival. She emphasized the importance of the center, which is recognized as the state’s largest African American community center. Beal hopes the event will continue to be a staple in the community for years to come.
Beal is also a member of the Same Wind Riders Motorcycle Club. On Saturday, she and other club members took part in a special initiative during the festival. They collected donations from a local Harley Davidson dealership on Harrison Street and then organized a bike ride to deliver the donations to the center. Beal explained the significance of this gesture, highlighting the club’s commitment to giving back to the community.
Her efforts were not unique. Many others in the community have expressed their joy at the festival’s return. Beal noted that people often share stories about how they grew up attending Bookerfest, and seeing children smile and enjoy the event is a heartwarming experience.
Craig Stallings, representing Welcome Star Lodge 36, a vendor at the festival, shared similar sentiments. He emphasized the importance of such events in bringing people together and creating a sense of unity. For him, the return of Bookerfest is a positive development that strengthens the community.
Rockford resident Lincoln Bias also praised the festival’s revival. He believes that events like Bookerfest play a vital role in making the community brighter. Bias noted that in today’s climate, it’s essential to find ways to bring people closer together, and he sees Bookerfest as one such opportunity.
The festival will continue until tomorrow, with activities starting at 1 p.m. and ending at 7 p.m. Attendees can look forward to a special performance by Rockford’s Gospel Choir, adding a spiritual and cultural dimension to the celebration.
In addition to Bookerfest, the Booker Washington Center hosts various other community events throughout the year, including Kwanzaa and Black History Month celebrations. These events further highlight the center’s role as a hub for cultural expression and community engagement.
