The history of America is interwoven with contributions of descendents of African and African American. The Tampa Bay Black Heritage Foundation, Inc, annually, endeavors to bring a sampling of these contributions to the forefront. With events and activities showcasing the Artistic, Historical and Cultural aspects of the African and African American Diaspora, the 2008 Tampa Bay Black Heritage Festival will bring to the community nationally and internationally renowned artists and exhibits, speakers and entertainment.

Nine days at sixteen separate venues throughout the Tampa Bay area the 2008 Tampa Bay Black Heritage Festival guarantees events that will both entertain and educate. With speakers such as Maya Angelou and Rev. DeForest Soaries, artist and activist George Hunt, health guru Dr. Ian Smith and national recording acts Rose Royce, Walter Beasley, Ray, Goodman and Brown, a regional Spoken Word Poetry competition and Gospel Showcase highlighting events the festival has gained prominence and recognition throughout the state of Florida. The Tampa Bay Black Heritage Festival was recognized as a Top 20 Event in the Southeast in both 2005 and 2006 by the Southeast Tourism Society. The entire schedule of activities can be viewed at www.tampablackheritage .

The Tampa Bay Black Heritage Festival is a multiday, multi venue series of events
that feature speakers, musicians, artists, poets and craftspeople locally and nationally. Each day of this nine-day experience provides all attendees with an opportunity to increase their awareness of African and African-American culture, art and history.

 The Tampa Bay Black Heritage Foundation,Inc exists to offer the Tampa Bay Area community a unique blend of African and African American art, culture and history; serving as a conduit for promoting and perpetuating the awareness of the contributions of

Africans and African Americans for the benefit of all in the Tampa Bay Area in a context that is both educational and entertaining.  It exists to support the rich and diverse Tampa Bay Area community by ensuring all events are inclusive of its entire people.

Tom O’Brien, CEO of AAA Auto South, a sponsor since the founding of the Festival in 2001, explains his companies long term commitment in this way: “We are an organization (AAA Auto Club South) that represents a diverse group of members and employees and we believe that this event represents a great opportunity to support our community and to promote tourism in the Tampa Bay area.”

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida, in the second of a three year commitment, is the Title Sponsor for this signature event. Attendance at this weeklong series of events, which will be held at locations throughout the Tampa Bay area, is expected to exceed 100,000.  Other major sponsors include AAA Auto Club South, the city of Tampa, Hillsborough County-BOCC/TDC, the Tampa Tribune, Fox 13 News, Washington Mutual Bank and State Farm Insurance.
Contact: Ken Anthony
Tampa Bay Black Heritage Festival, Inc
Phone: 813 251 8685
Email: ken@kanthonyinsurance.com