By Williamena Kwapo | OBSERVER Staff Writer

The Annual Black Food Festival returned to Florin Square on Sept. 7 for a celebration of food, culture, and community entrepreneurship.

Now in its seventh year, the festival has grown from a grassroots effort into a cornerstone community event, one that celebrates the rich flavors of the African diaspora while uplifting local entrepreneurs and artists.

Festival curator Berry Accius and his daughter Ade’Jah continued their mission of showcasing the diversity of Black-owned businesses in Sacramento while keeping food as the anchor of the celebration.

  • The Annual Black Food Festival featured games, beverages, music, craft vendors, and art. Jordan of Jordan J Art shared her newest work highlighting historical figures such as Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. Roberta Alvarado, OBSERVER
  • Sarah Mustafa shares Sun Kissed Scents, her line of nontoxic soy candles. Roberta Alvarado, OBSERVER
  • Ken Rudolph offered vegan Afro-Caribbean food at the Annual Black Food Festival. Roberta Alvarado, OBSERVER

Linda, a popular vendor, served generous plates of West African fare, layering jollof rice with chicken, spinach, beans, or plantains. Ken Rudolph offered a vegan Afro-Caribbean menu, while “Char Behind the Bar” mixed cocktails for festival-goers.

The event also highlighted local artists’ work. Jordan of Jordan J Art displayed her newest works honoring historical figures including Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr., while Sarah Mustafa introduced her handcrafted soy candle line, Sun Kissed Scents, featuring fragrances such as Tropical Breeze and Lavender Love.

Live music, games, and family-friendly activities rounded out the day, creating an atmosphere of joy and connection. For many vendors, the festival provided crucial visibility and face-to-face engagement with customers, opportunities often missing from traditional retail spaces.