A FESTIVAL OF HISTORY, ARTS, CULTURE, AND HEALTH FOR 36 YEARS Voted Columbia Neighborhood's "BEST FESTIVAL"

On Saturday, April 26, 2025, the iconic Benedict College Harambee Festival will be held in the Charlie W. Johnson Stadium as the College proudly continues the legacy of the Festival which has been a thirty-six-year signature event in Columbia, South Carolina, and wider communities. It has sustained its existence through interpretation of history, presentations through the arts, culture, and humanities, with outstanding stage performances, a Children’s Learning Village, a Women’s and Men’s Village, free health screenings, continuous stage performances, merchandise vendors, and the best food found anywhere.

The Festival provides learning experiences for children and college students, public service information to improve the lives of attendees, and opportunities for organizations to merchandise their products before thousands of consumers. It also allows Benedict College to continue its commitment to improve the economic, social, and cultural conditions in our community, including the positive impact that the Festival has on the local economy.

Saturday, April 26, 2025 - 9:30AM - 6:00PM

Performance Headliners:

COMPONENTS: ALL-DAY STAGE PERFORMANCES FEATURING: drum lines, gospel choirs, Benedict College Gospel Choir and the Benedict College Alumni Choir will perform “Say the Word” to commemorate it’s 25th Anniversary; Benedict College Tiger Marching Band of Distinction; Jazz Band, student performers, Harambee Festival Community Choir; a Children’s Dance Group, and legacy performers.

VILLAGES:  HBCU, College/Community/Public Service; Food; Shopping; Legacy Exhibits; Children’s Education, Science, and Cybersecurity, Arts and Humanities, Recreation; Bounce Houses, Game Trucks; Women’s, Men’s, and Elderly; Veterans; Classic Cars; Athletes (including local professionals); MUSC Mammogram Screening; and FREE Medical and Health Screening.

Sunday, April 27, 2025 - 3:00PM

Antisdel Chapel:

Harambee Festival Community Choir and the Benedict College Alumni Gospel Choir Concert in commemoration of the 25th Anniversary of “Say the Word”. – Elder J. David Bratton, Director and Minister Daryl Izzard.

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Date: April 26 - 27, 2025

Location: Charlie W. Johnson Stadium

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