EST. 1969

In 1969, The Harlem Cultural Festival became a landmark event in the history of African-American culture soulfully earning the title of “The Summer of Soul.” The festival highlighted monumental singers, bands, black community organizers, and civil rights leaders of the 60’s. Throughout predominantly white mainstream media the Festival was recognized as the “Black Woodstock” due to the close timing of the two events and focus around music and culture.

The festival was organized by Tony Lawrence an ebullient event organizer and was sponsored by Maxwell Coffee house. John Lindsay, the mayor of New York City at the time was also a dedicated supporter of the Harlem Cultural Festival.

The Harlem Cultural festival occurred during a time when black consciousness, Black Power, AfriCOBRA, and the Black Arts Movement were all at their peak following the civil rights movement.

The three-day festival took place in Harlem’s Mount Morris Park on Sundays beginning June 29, 1969 to August 24, 1969. The festival hosted soulful performances by Sly and the Family Stone, Nina Simone, 5th Dimension, Stevie Wonder, Lou Rawls, Gladys Knight & The Pips, David Ruffin from The Temptations, and many other melanated artists of that time.

The event attracted over approximately 250,000 attendees over three days—throughout the duration of the festival there were no reports of any violence or hostility. This can be attributed to the success of the festival’s organizers, support from Mayor Lindsay’s office, and the members of The Panther Party. Officers from the New York City Police Department refused to provide security, so

The impact of The Harlem Culture Festival can’t be overstated: during a time of racial violence, segregation, and hatred— the Harlem Culture Festival brought unity and peace to thousands of melanated people from all walks of life. The Summer of Soul will always be a timeless festival.