The 4th annual Greater Mahoning Valley 1619 has arrived here in Downtown Youngstown.

The African-American cultural festival will be in town from Friday, August 25th to Sunday, August 27th, and have plenty of music, vendors, food, and festivities for valley residents of all ages to enjoy. 

1619 Is the year when the first African slaves arrived in America

A brief of each day's events can be found below. Admission is free each day from 12:00 noon to 6:29 pm. After 6:30, admission is $10. The event is on S Phelps St. between W Federal and W Boardman Street, right by the WFMJ Studio at 101 West Boardman.

  • Friday, August 25th - Hip-Hop Friday: Enjoy Hip-hop music and live entertainment by TKB, AKA The Kid Brothers, from Dallas, TX.
  • Saturday, August 26th - Old School Saturday: Greater Mahoning Valley 1619 will honor black mayors across Ohio. At 3:00 pm, come & listen to these mayors discuss their accomplishments and challenges. Later, come to enjoy old-school music and entertainment courtesy of Rare Quality from Detroit, MI.
  • Sunday, August 27th - Gospel Sunday: Enjoy Gospel music and live entertainment by The Daniel Brothers from Dayton, OH. 

The event is sponsored by the City of Youngstown, New Bethel Baptist Church, The Wean Foundation, and The Drum 99.7 FM.

1619 has also been used as it relates to the 1619 Project, a controversial set of reporting that focuses on slavery and African Americans' contributions to the history of the United States.

For more information, you can call (330) 881-6424.