It was a lively occasion when the Malcolm X Sōl Food + Music Festival (MX Sol Fest) took place in Omaha, Nebraska August 25th, 2018 at the Malcolm X Memorial Foundation. Around 200 guests took in the sights and sounds of poetry, dance performances, reggae, spoken word and Afro-soul music. Food and artisan vendors encircled the new greenhouse and festival stage. Omaha’s immense talent was represented by young performers and veterans of the local and international arts scene.
Native Jamaicans and students of Marcus Garvey, Ras Takura and Richie Innocent highlighted the festival as international spoken word artists. Planning and accommodations were coordinated by a subcommittee of the Malcolm X Memorial Foundation, the MX Sol Fest Committee. Ras Takura worked closely with the Committee to bring Omaha a festival similar to his Dis Poem Wordz & Agro Festival. Dis Poem, is held annually in Port Antonio, Jamaica. The final Sunday of April, poetry, food, and heirloom seed exchange are on display in what has been described as Jamaica’s most well kept parish, Portland parish.
The MX Soōl Fest mirrored the artistic integrity and community energy of Dis Poem. A strong dose of collaboration by local community members made this festival possible. University of Nebraska at Omaha, Outrspaces, Hi-Fi House, Falcolnwood Park & Hullabaloo music festival, City Sprouts, Aframerican Bookstore, and Homer’s music are some of the local organizations that lended their energy to the fest. Plans are already underway to secure the annual success of this festival. Look out for more community happenings centered around food security by the Shabazz Community Garden and the MX Sol Fest Committee online at facebook.com/MXFoodFest.
By: Event Co-Chair Shomari Huggins