Black Cultural Weekend is set to kick off Friday night in Downtown Youngstown at 6:00 p.m. 

The event is being organized by Rev. Lewis Macklin and will feature a number of activities. 

The event kicks off Friday night at 6:00 p.m. with an opening ceremony. Then at 7:00 p.m. it's the City of Youngstown Party on the Plaza on East Federal Street. The event will feature live reggae entertainment from Outlaws at 7:00 and One World Tribe at 9:00 p.m. Additionally, local sports talent will be recognized at 8:00 p.m.

The African American Male Wellness Walk will take place Saturday morning starting at 7:00 a.m. at the Covelli Centre. Following that, there will also be Black history education at 2:00 p.m. line dancing at 4:00 p.m. and live music featuring a tribute to Luther Vandross. 

Sunday, Aug. 15 will begin with a tribute to law enforcement at 4:00 pm. There will also be "History of the Dance" at 6:00 p.m. which will take a look back at the history of dance in Africa. There will also be a Gospel Extravaganza at 7:00 p.m. featuring the Singing Pastors. 

Event sponsors include the Greater Mahoning Valley 1619, 99.7 The Drum and The City of Youngstown.

 

Vendors will be open from 12:00 to 11:00 p.m. every day. 

The Luther Vandross tribute show and the Gospel Extravaganza will be $10 each. Tickets can be purchased at the gates. Guests should bring their own chairs.