The 2026 Africana Arts & Humanities Festival (AAHF) returns March 27\u201328 at the African-American Research Library and Cultural Center (AARLCC), uniting scholars, authors, artists, performers, and families for a vibrant celebration of Black history, culture, and creativity.<\/p>\n
AAHF is AARLCC\u2019s signature annual cultural and intellectual convening, transforming the library into a hub of learning and cultural exchange. Through lectures, literary conversations, performances, youth activations, family programming, and curated cultural installations, the festival illuminates the richness and resilience of the African diaspora.<\/p>\n
2026 Theme: \u201cWe, Too, Sing America: 250 Years of Black Life and Culture\u201d
Inspired by Langston Hughes\u2019 iconic poem \u201cI, Too,\u201d the theme reflects on 250 years of Black life, creativity, and resistance that have shaped the American story. This year\u2019s festival emphasizes historical perspectives, contemporary scholarship, artistic excellence, and intergenerational learning, celebrating the enduring contributions of Black communities.<\/p>\n
Featured Speakers:<\/p>\n
Karsonya Wise Whitehead, Ph.D. \u2013 President of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) and nationally respected public historian. Her work centers on Black public memory, racial justice, and social transformation.
\nKellie Carter-Jackson, Ph.D. \u2013 Award-winning historian and author of We Refuse: A Forceful History of Black Resistance, recognized as a New York Times Editors\u2019 Pick and a Kirkus Best Book of the Year. She reframes traditional narratives of nonviolence by documenting how Black communities resisted enslavement, segregation, and racial violence.
\nRandal Maurice Jelks, Ph.D. \u2013 Professor, documentary producer, and author of My America: Langston Hughes on Democracy. Dr. Jelks explores Hughes\u2019 vision of democracy and traces his journey from Kansas City to global cultural centers. Born in New Orleans, he is a descendant of the Georgetown 272, enslaved persons sold to pay off Georgetown University\u2019s debts.<\/p>\n
Festival Highlights:
Friday, March 27: Student-focused programming in the morning; keynote conversation and evening reception.
Saturday, March 28: Family Day and youth activations, storytelling sessions, hands-on cultural activities, author showcases, and bookstore activation with Pyramid Books featuring signings and literary vendors.<\/p>\n