Black Long Island's Ujamaa Fest coming to Wyandanch this weekend
Desiree Legette of Amityville models clothing from Nate For Less of Brentwood at last year's Ujamaa Fest. The fifth annual Ujamaa Fest will be held Saturday at Delano Stewart Plaza in Wyandanch. Credit: Falischa Moss
Things are about to get busy in Wyandanch this weekend as the fifth annual Ujamaa Fest takes over Delano Stewart Plaza on Saturday from noon to 6 p.m.
“Our goal is to engage and unify the Black community across Nassau and Suffolk,” said Falischa Moss, president of Black Long Island, which is hosting the event. “People can learn about how to start a small business, then actually visit the small business owners at their tents where they will be selling their merchandise and goods.”
The word “ujamaa” in Swahili means “cooperative economics,” therefore more than 85 business owners will come together for the celebration. Total Hot Sauce of Freeport will serve and sell its spicy condiments while Sir Shave of Wyandanch offers massages and barber services. Nate For Less of Brentwood is set to sell clothing plus accessories. Vanessa Braxton, who's known as the first African American woman master distiller and master blender, will showcase her own Black Momma Vodka in flavors like green tea, pomegranate tea, peach tea and chai tea.
Health panels will be presented by the Witness Project of Long Island, Suffolk County Department of Health Services' Office of Minority Health and the Nassau County Department of Health's Office of Health Equity on a variety of topics including men’s health and nutrition.
Guests can investigate employment opportunities from Suffolk Transportation, Suffolk County Department of Labor, and Chase Bank in Wyandanch. The Suffolk County Department of Human Resources, Personnel and Civil Service will walk people through the process of how to apply for the upcoming civil service exams with the Suffolk County Police Department in June 2023.
A special networking breakfast precedes the festivities, providing an opportunity for local business owners or professionals to socialize and exchange information. Kevin Livingston, of 100 Suits for 100 Men, a local nonprofit organization, serves as the guest speaker for the morning as he addresses the topic, “How to Build a Brand from Grassroots.” Waffles and Soul of Bellport will provide the complimentary breakfast.
Come to the festival hungry because a series of food trucks are getting ready to feed the crowd, organizers said. Options include soul food from The Big Black Food Truck, chicken and shrimp dishes from Mama’s Garden LI, southern cuisine seafood from The Inkwell plus ice cream from Mister Flavors.
The Legendary DJ Belal from Wyandanch spins all day while live performances take place from Gospel artist Shekinah Bryant of Brentwood, international guitarist Debbie Knapper & the Knappertime Band of Wyandanch and neo-soul artist Noelle Kay from the Bronx.
Kids can get their energy out in the hip-hop bounce house, do science experiments with STEM curriculum specialist Catherine Beasley and take in some arts and crafts with New York Edge after-school mentoring programs.
“There’s a little bit of something for everyone. Our event is free and open to everybody,” said Moss. “No matter where we are or where we are coming from, we can always come together to be supportive of each other.”
UJAMAA FEST
WHEN | WHERE Noon-6 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 24, Delano Stewart Plaza, 40 Station Dr., Wyandanch (Rain date: Sept. 25)
INFO 347-450-8522, blacklongisland.net, Instagram: @blicommunitysocial, facebook.com/blacklongisland
ADMISSION Free
David J. Criblez is a reporter for Newsday's exploreLI, covering entertainment-related events from local music to stand-up comedy to festivals.
