July 30 …
The National Black Arts Festival (NBAF) in Atlanta is one of the most influential cultural institutions devoted to celebrating the artistic traditions of the African diaspora and has played a major role in shaping American art, entertainment, and cultural dialogue since the late 20th century.
The Festival — established as a multidisciplinary showcase for music, theater, literature, dance, film, and visual arts — is aimed at providing a national platform for Black artists to present their work, while allowing audiences to engage with the richness and variety of African-descended creative expression. Over the years, it has welcomed millions of participants and viewers through live events, exhibitions, and educational programs, helping position Atlanta as a significant center for Black artistic innovation and cultural exchange.
Founded in 1987 by the Fulton County Arts Council under the guidance of cultural advocate and public official Michael Lomax, then chairman of the Fulton County Board of Commissioners, the organization behind the Festival emerged from a cultural planning study that recognized the need for a major event celebrating the contributions of artists of African descent.
Backed by government agencies, corporate sponsors, and arts organizations, the inaugural Festival took place on July 30 to August 7, 1988. The Festival showcased performances, exhibitions, and symposia across a diverse range of artistic disciplines, emphasizing both established and emerging creators from the United States and the global African diaspora. It quickly garnered national attention for its scale and ambition, drawing over 350,000 attendees — far exceeding its expectations of around 50,000.
As the Festival evolved, it became a prominent gathering space for influential writers, musicians, actors, filmmakers, and visual artists. Notable participants and collaborators have included cultural icons such as Maya Angelou, Amiri Baraka, Wynton Marsalis, Spike Lee, August Wilson, Alvin Ailey, and Pearl Cleage, among many others.
The Festival’s mission has been to expose, educate, and engage audiences while supporting artists across various artistic disciplines. Through exhibitions, performances, artist markets, and youth education programs, it has reached millions of attendees and viewers worldwide, nurturing emerging artists and fostering public appreciation for Black artistic heritage.
Its impact has also been formally recognized. In 2008, the United States Congress honored the National Black Arts Festival for its influence on the cultural life of Atlanta and the nation. And in 2018, it received the Governor’s Award for the Arts and Humanities in Georgia, affirming its status as a cornerstone institution in American cultural history.
