By CW, The Freelancer
If you weren’t at Martin Luther King Jr. Community Park on Saturday, June 28th, you missed something special. The San Diego Black Arts and Culture District brought the city a full-on music festival that had the feel of a block party, family reunion, and backyard concert all rolled into one, and it was completely free.
From noon to 8 p.m., the air was filled with music, an array of food options, and the kind of joy that comes from people gathering with a purpose. This wasn’t just about entertainment. It was about community, culture, and celebration. And for a summer day in Southeast San Diego, it hit every note.
The artist lineup included Miki Vale, C.C. Carter, Daneen Wilburn, Michael Mayo, Lenny “Fuzzy” Rankins, and Ben Williams.
Host Dominic Malone kept the crowd engaged and the transitions smooth. He kept the energy high between sets, tossing shoutouts and reminding folks to check out the vendors.
And the crowd delivered. Dozens sprawled out on lawn chairs and blankets under the shade, eating, dancing, and talking. Kids ran through the grass with snow cones. Couples swayed to the beat. On one side of the park, food vendors stayed busy all day. On the other hand, booths sold handmade jewelry, clothing, and books.
“I really enjoyed the music festival, the food and the people,” said David Boson, a local who was posted up under a tree with his friends. “I was chillin’ in the shade with my friends enjoying the atmosphere.”
The park never emptied. People came and went, but there was always a steady rhythm of movement, some heading toward the stage, others toward the food, and plenty just soaking it all in.
So, if Southeast San Diego can throw a music festival like this on a Saturday in June, what else is possible when people show up and tune in?
You can find more information about their upcoming events on their website at www.sdblackacd.org.
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