41st AAHF supports black business and goes 90s with "Kickoff The LiftOff"

By Angelique Latham

Black x Bold editors Kaleyn Sanders, Daniel McNatt, and Arianna Horton pose at the 41st African American Heritage Festival kick-off event on Thursday March 22nd, in the Ohio Union, Columbus, OH. (Courtesy of African American Heritage Festival)

With an aspiration to bestow upon people distinctive facets of black culture, the African American Heritage Festival is a place for students of black descent and others to celebrate their roots and come together for an experience that will truly exemplify the greatness of being black.

2019 will be the 41st year that this weeklong historic commemoration has taken place. The event “Kick Off” is the first event of the festival that is open to the public and sets the tone for the rest of the events in the festival.

Tucked into the first floor of the Ohio Union, the Great Hall Meeting Room was decked with disco lights and filled with rhythmic vibing music.

The room had a array of colorful lights and was divided into sections, one for eating and drinking, another for dancing and the other to look at products from the black owned businesses that were present.

Placed on certain parts of the floor were hula hoops, jump ropes and hop scotch that people could use. A backdrop against a wall, filled with colorful graffiti, was used as people would take pictures in front of it. The scene of this event would place one directly in the 90s.

One distinct feature of the “Kick Off” event was the silent party. Before entering into the event venue people had the option take headphones that were being given out. The dance portion of the event required people to use the headphones and listen to the music.

The music was mostly songs created within the 90s and 2000s but there were three music stations: green, blue and red and listeners could switch between the three stations to listen to different songs.

The food served at the event was similar to food found at small outdoor picnics or memorial day cookouts. Many of the options were finger foods. There were cocktail tables near the food. This section was designed for people to grab a bite and engage other aspects of the event. And perhaps to even hold conversations as they eat with others they know or just met.

Directly across from the food and drinks, were different vendors that showcased their products to students, hoping to attract new customers and gain more exposure for their brands. The products ranged from essential oils, to art and apparel. All the the businesses were owned by African Americans and were located mostly within the Columbus area.

One businesswoman, Leah Stringer had personal ties to Ohio State and was familiar with the African American Heritage Festival and felt a strong urge to be apart of it

“My nephew went to school here and informed us about [the festival] and we are always trying to give back to the community and inspire people who may strive to own their own business someday,” Stringer said.

Stringer is the co-owner of LT2, a small business that sells oils like Coconut Oil and Shea Butter. These particular products are known to work well with African American skin, hair and nails and are often in very high demand. There was no surprise that many people were purchasing her products left and right.

In addition to great sales, Stringer seemed to have a great night.

“I love it and it's a great venue and everyone has been so hospitable and the theme was very fun,” Stringer said.

Manzel Sette, is the CEO of Made To Succeed clothing. He sells apparel that varies from hoodies to sweatpants, to T-shirts and jackets.

“All my life I've always had the mindset of being an Entrepreneur and loved the multiple aspects of business.”

Manzel said that his company ties into Heritage Fest’s theme of “Uplift.”

“Made To Succeed clothing has a personal meaning and it's up to the buyer of how they define it and can use it in an uplifting way,” Manzel said.

It is no coincidence that the ideas “business” and “entrepreneurship” were tied into the event as Jahzeer Hibbert, a junior and co-chair of the “Kick Off” event is a Fisher College of Business student himself and believes that the ideas of business and entrepreneurship are tied into the theme of “Uplift.”

“The goal of the Kick Off event was to bring everyone on campus together but it is also uplifting in a way that we as black students are able to support businesses that are started and supported by our own,” Hibbert said.

Hibbert is glass to be apart of their legacy of the African American Heritage Festival.

“It is historical, it has been on campus for nearly 41 years and is thriving,” Hibbert said.

Overall the “Kick Off” was meant to provide a space to have fun, spend time with others and empower the black community economically and it indeed accomplished its goal.