Musical tribute to the upcoming Harambee Festival at Benedict College

Columbia, SC – Benedict College is gearing up to celebrate the 35th anniversary of its Harambee Festival on April 20th. The word “Harambee” means the “pulling together” of community in Kenyan culture, and the festival aims to do just that.

To kick off the festivities, members of the school’s gospel choir and band came together for a musical tribute. Singer Lauren Byrd expressed the joy she finds in music, stating, “I get a joy from singing, I get a joy from making beats, I get a joy from playing instruments… singing and getting that reaction and that energy from a crowd — that brings me joy.”

George Dezlin, Benedict’s Associate Vice President of Student Affairs, highlighted the importance of music in the festival, noting the historical significance of gospel music in African American and American history. The Harambee Festival will feature live stage performances, merchandise vendors, a food village, and a children’s educational village.

Byrd emphasized the connection between Black history and various music genres, such as Pop, R&B, and the Motown era. She emphasized the impact of Black history on music, stating, “Black history — it touches all of them, as much as some might like to erase that fact, so we pull together and we bring together, and it’s not just about us, it’s about everyone who’s impacted.”

The Harambee Festival will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with general admission tickets priced at . Discounts will be available for students, service members, and seniors. Get ready to join the community in celebrating unity and music at Benedict College’s Harambee Festival.