African-American Achievers fest winds down with Gospel concert

African-American Achievers fest winds down with Gospel concert

Staff Report

WARREN

The heart-felt sounds and Christian soul of Gospel music highlighted the final day of the 28th annual Trumbull County African-American Achievers Festival in Courthouse Square on Sunday.

Gwenn Morgan coordinated the Gospel Sunday program that featured a variety of church choirs, groups and soloists at the festival’s outdoor stage.

Despite a rainy opening day Friday that kept attendance down, cooler but sunny conditions attracted thousands of people to the fest Saturday and Sunday, according to Franky Parker, a festival organizer and vice president of the Trumbull County African-American Achievers Association.

The parade Saturday was particularly successful, he said. It had about 35 units including classic cars, drill teams and community leaders.

Parker said the annual festival, for which he has worked 18 years, was designed by its founder, the late Van Williams, to be a homecoming for residents in Warren and the Mahoning Valley.

He said the festival “has blossomed and come a long way” since its origin 28 years ago.

Morgan has played instrumental roles in the festival for many of those years. Assisting Morgan on Sunday as emcees for the Gospel music concert were Minister Levi Elzy Jr. of Jenkins Memorial Church of God in Christ in Warren and Minister Ben Hurt Sr. of the Greater Apostolic Faith Church in Warren.

The TCAAAA promotes cultural and ethnic awareness and sponsors community awards annually.

Parker announced Sunday that the group has launched a website, which can be accessed at www.tcaaaa.com.

The festival continues until 11 tonight.