The First Annual Black & Bronze Fest at Armstrong Park

Bronzeville, Chicago — September 6, 2025 Crafted by Pam Greer Visualized by Summer Coleman

The inaugural Black & Bronze Fest lit up Armstrong (Lillian Hardin) Park with a powerful blend of faith, music, and community, reminding Chicago—and the nation—that Bronzeville remains the beating heart of Black cultural legacy and innovation.

From the opening prayer circle led by CityPoint Community Church to the final notes of jazz and gospel echoing through the park, the festival was more than an event—it was a homecoming. It was a love letter to the South Side, a reclamation of space, and a declaration that our stories, our sounds, and our spirit are not only alive but thriving.

A Celebration of Legacy and Faith ------

The day began with a grounding in faith, acknowledging the spiritual roots that have carried Black communities through migration, struggle, and renaissance. Choirs and worship collectives lifted voices skyward, setting a tone of reverence and joy.

Music as Resistance and Renewal ------

The lineup was a living archive of Black sound: jazz riffs that nodded to Bronzeville’s past, gospel harmonies that testified to resilience, hip-hop verses that spoke truth to power, and soul ballads that reminded us of our collective heartbeat. Artists like Jessica Lá Rel, Apollo, Alysha Monique, and the CityPoint Worship Collective carried the torch of legends like Mahalia Jackson, Sam Cooke, and Nat King Cole.

Community in Motion -----

Beyond the stage, the park pulsed with activity:

• Divine 9 strolls and a stepping competition honored tradition and unity.

• Footworking battles showcased Chicago’s signature dance culture.

• Local vendors, artisans, and food stalls turned the park into a marketplace of creativity and entrepreneurship.

• Kids lined up for free haircuts, a small but powerful gesture of care and dignity.

Why It Matters -----

Bronzeville has always been more than a neighborhood—it’s a Black Metropolis, a cradle of artistry, activism, and innovation. The Black & Bronze Fest honored that history while amplifying the renaissance happening right now across the South Side. As Festival Producer Jessica Lá Rel put it: “It’s time we amplify the genius of the current moment and bring the South Side center stage.”

Final Word -----

The first annual Black & Bronze Fest wasn’t just a festival—it was a movement in motion. It reminded us that when faith, music, and community converge, we don’t just celebrate—we build legacy. Bronzeville showed the world that the South Side doesn’t wait for permission to shine. We create our own stage, and we fill it with brilliance.