Posted on 10/21/2013 9:05:45 PM PDT by My Favorite Headache
DALLAS KwanzaaFest is an annual event that activist Thomas Muhammad helped found. It draws tens of thousands of people to Fair Park every second weekend in December.
But News 8 has learned the cultural celebration is taking the year off.
2013 looks like it's not going to happen, Muhammad said.
More than two decades ago, Muhammad, Commissioner John Wiley Price, and others first decided to find a way to showcase African-American businesses during the holiday season.
KwanzaaFest was born, but Commissioner Price's legal troubles are likely what killed it.
Federal investigators continue to examine Price's finances with court documents alleging the commissioner committed conspiracy, bribery, and money laundering.
He has not been charged with any crime.
Because of the aura, a couple of corporate sponsors quite naturally don't want to be exposed to negative media," Muhammad said. "Some of them pulled out, and I think that had a lot to do with passing this up at this time."
But the cancellation is more than just a disappointment at missing the concerts and shopping that go along with the event.
HealthFest which runs as a part of KwanzaaFest provided everything from HIV testing to free vision screenings for for those who might only see a doctor at this event.
That's going to be a serious loss to the Dallas community, who every year for over 20 years have come to this venue to get health services, said Dallas County Health and Human Services director Dr. Zachary Thompson.
He said the department hasnt been formally notified that the 2013 event is off.
Commissioner Price's website still has KwanzaaFest on the schedule for December 14-15, and Fair Park says its still holding those dates open for the event.
Muhammad said the KwanzaaFest committee made the decision to cancel very recently. He was notified Sunday via text message.
News 8 has learned that others were notified by letter.
Muhammad hopes to bring KwanzaaFest back in 2014. "I think the decision just finally came down we need to take a breather, hold up, rebuild, and come back," he said.
E-mail msaavedra@wfaa.com
Oh no! How are we going to make it through the Winter Holiday without it?!
NO KWANZAA NO PEACE.
Oh wait. No kwanzaa means fewer feral yutes causing mayhem. Good.
Waaaaah, waaaaah! I want Saint Malcolm the Tenth to bring me toys on Kwanzaa Night!
Just to save a few bucks? That was rather niggardly of them.
No Kwanzaafest??? Keepin’ the brother man down, baby! You be an Uncle Tom!!! /s;)
Kwanzzan Fest wont’s be happnin’. - Ebonics
The Year They Cancelled Kwanza. Coming to a Hallmark Channel near you.
Phony made-up holiday, no loss. And I am not against all phony holidays either- I can at least respect the ideals of Festivus.
White female elementary schoolteachers all over Dallas are profusely weeping.
Who can oppose a holiday that has an annual airing of grievances ?
John Wiley Price should thank God he is black. If he were a white politician He’d have been in prison long ago
NO KWANZAA, KNOW PEACE.
lmfao!!!!
“Phony made-up holiday, no loss. And I am not against all phony holidays either- I can at least respect the ideals of Festivus.”
Hey September 19 is Talk like a Pirate day. Now there is a great made up holiday if ever there was one
Now there will be fewer crimes and arrests that day.
Go ahead and call me a racist. I’m still right.
Very good!
I would love analysis on how the crime rates in the city fluctuate before, during and immediately after the gatherings. Might be pretty damn eye opening to observe.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.