The smell of fried fish, corn dogs and funnel cake filled the air at Druid Hill Park, but attendees were taking in so much more.
Community. Resilience. Freedom. Self-expression. People came for vibes that needed no explanation. This is AFRAM, a festival that has intentionally celebrated Black culture for the past 50 years.
People sported their red, green and yellow shirts for Juneteenth as they bobbed their heads to music on the grassy hillsides.
We caught up with several festivalgoers to hear about their outfit choices and what AFRAM 50 means to them.
Jamurious Ray
Age: 24
From: Sandtown-Winchester
What does 50 years of AFRAM mean to you? I think it means 50 years of community, 50 years of resilience, 50 years of showing the world that we're never gonna leave. We're always gonna be here. And we are the culture, we are the moment, and we're never backing down for what you've put us through.
What has inspired the AFRAM look today? Black people, we're really connected with our earth and the motherlands. I just wanted to channel that with the golds and the browns and the earth tones. Just kinda represent the earth and what came from it.
Jakita Townes
Age: 34
From: Edmondson Village
Fifty years of AFRAM, what does that mean for you? [It] really just means 50 years of celebrating being melanated and being from Baltimore. … It's a wonderful city to be from. So much culture here, it's a melting pot. … It's fun being here and experiencing all the people, all the different businesses, the music, just the vibe.
What inspired your AFRAM outfit today? Well, it's Juneteenth, and I needed to represent for all my women of color, people of color. And I also like to be a little funky — so the colors, the Bantu knots, the glasses. And it's hot, so you wanna be comfy. But I love style, I love fashion, and I just like doing stuff that's a little different than everybody else.
Unyque Burnette
Age: 26
From: Park Heights
What does AFRAM 50 mean to you? It means 50 years of celebrating Black culture — Black culture in Baltimore, which is very different from an outsider point of view. [It means] celebrating our heritage, but also celebrating what we've built in this neighborhood.
 You said that it's been a while since you came. What inspired you to come this year? The last time I went to AFRAM I was a kid, so I had a different perspective on what Black culture was. And since then, I'd say maybe 10 years ago, I'm more in touch with my Black heritage and my people … and just being more confident with who I am … I'm just really happy to be who I am. I'm happy to be part of the Black culture.
What has inspired this AFRAM 50 look? My grandma, she just got put in a nursing home. She had a stroke a few months ago and we were cleaning out her clothes … and this was just one of the outfits that she's had as long as I've known her, as long as she's been my grandma. … She's very Afrocentric, and I just really wanted to have a part of her here with me since she can't come to the festival.
Jada Mclean and Kamali
Ages: 21 and 23
From: Baltimore and Prince George's County
What brings you to AFRAM today?  [Jada] We always wanted to go. I have been here last year, but he never been here before. [Kamali] This is my first time. … It's been great so far. I got free parking, so I'm happy.
What does AFRAM mean to you? [Jada] I feel like it's just a celebration of Black culture, especially in the Baltimore area or the Maryland area — East Coast! Because I know a lot of people around the States come here too. So, it's just like a big old Black American celebration.
Shawn Jordan
Age: 43
From: Randallstown
This is your first AFRAM. How does it resonate with you so far? I'm sad that this is my very first one. I should have been here! It's a beautiful setting to see people from all walks of life come together and just kinda celebrate. Not to mention it's Juneteenth, so for me, that's an even more powerful statement.
What's inspired the AFRAM fit today? My people of color. I wanted to be vibrant, I wanted to be seen, and I want everyone to feel that way.
Kathy Moore and Eve
Age: 46
From: Pennsylvania, but used to live in Baltimore
What does AFRAM mean to you? It's beautiful time to spend with my family. We get out and do things together and interact with grandkids and friends, and get to hear some good music and good performances.
Do you have a favorite AFRAM memory? The first year I brought my mom and she got to see The O'Jays [in 2022]. It meant the world to her.
Cheryl ‘CJ' Jones
Age: 61
From: Philadelphia
This is your first AFRAM. How is AFRAM 50 resonating with you so far? I see folks just coming out, having a festive time on the purpose of Juneteenth. The day is a day of celebration for our freedoms. What I see is folks everywhere coming together in a happy medium of camaraderie … and it's just pretty fly.
 What has inspired this AFRAM fit today? I was supposed to be a fashion designer, not a special ed teacher. … I dress to the occasion of being a Black woman in America.
Hydra Namooth
Age: 25
From: Silver Spring
What inspired this pink lovely outfit today? I just wanted something spring, fun, summer — just bright colors, fun, bubbly … like my personality. … And then like a couple items that I made myself, like my necklace and my purse and decorations.
Damika Willis
Age: 44
From: Rosedale
What does AFRAM mean to you? It's like being a part of the culture and having fun with our people, and just coming together and having a peaceful event.
Is this your first AFRAM? No. I haven't been in probably like … six or seven years now. So I'm coming back getting back into it to see what it has to offer.
What made you come back? Today was my first day off of work, and I was like, “Let's just go!†… We just came out today for a family event.
