2018 West Virginia Black Heritage Festival (Full Video)

Since 1990 the West Virginia Black Heritage Festival has been an important part of the community in West Virginia. The mission of the festival is to promote the African-American experience while addressing the many milestones that our forefathers have made since the Emancipation Proclamation.
Although it is a festival to celebrate African-American culture, the board of directors find it important to offer eye exams for children and blood screening CBC/Gluccose/Lipid for all and PSA screening for men, and health and Blood Pressure Screening and Diabetes Information, Cancer Information, and Home Health/Hospice Literature, and African Health related information.
The festival also recognizes the contribution of those who have brought us thus far. This is done through selecting a senior king and queen, which began in 1998. The individuals are chosen on the basis of service to the community and serving as positive role models for both the young and old. In addition to recognizing a senior king and queen, the board of directors also recognize two outstanding youth from West Virginia and honor them as the festival’s junior king and queen. Each junior king and queen receive a scholarship. Each year the board of directors are able to award more scholarships to help graduating high school seniors embark on their journey to further higher education.
Friday night kicks off the festival and is dedicated to the kids. Each year McDonalds and Sacred Heart graciously sponsor the night to ensure we are able to give the kids a great time. We offer free food, school supplies and prizes. We invite local colleges to come to give information about the school and interest with kids. We have trivia contest to ensure the children can learn facts about African American History. We invite Lions Club to do free eye screenings. We think it is important for the kids to have a great time, and learn while doing so.