By Anuoluwapo Bamiro, Columnist
On June 24, 2023, Inglewood had its music festival at Darby Park. It was a family day for the community that brought people of all ages to the event. There were food vendors, black businesses, and others in attendance. This was a community event that brought out people and families of all ages. Showing the strength of the people and how they can come together to have an amazing time. It was a beautiful way to kick start the summer and bring in business, as well as music to Inglewood’s beloved Darby Park.
The event was hosted by District 4 Councilwoman Dionne Faulk and co-hosted by comedian and actor Tommy Davidson. Faulk did an amazing job hosting the festival and making sure that everyone was having a great time. She helped show that although Inglewood is changing, the main priority is still for the residents that have been in the city to feel loved, seen, and welcomed. Tommy Davidson brought his comedic routines and showed us exactly why he was a heavy hitter in the beginning seasons of Wild-N-Out. There were performances by Pete Escovedo & Family, Keiko Matsui, Loose Ends, Sugar Hill Gang, Frankie J, Sista Nancy, Tia P, CME Community Choir, A Tribute to the Legends of Soul, and DJ Karma Camille.
It was beautiful to see families, kids, and everyone else having a good time with no drama or danger. They were dancing, singing, and enjoying a beautiful Saturday. The cherry on top was seeing families made of multiple generations listening to music and vibing together. My favorite part was seeing different families come together to do the same shuffle, couples dancing together, and kids frolicking, dancing, and playing while the different acts are performing.
Events like this are exactly what Inglewood needs to keep the current residents feeling catered to and cared about. It gathers everyone in the community to come to celebrate the city, the musical acts, and black and brown food and businesses surrounding our culture. It allows residents to feel as though they are still being thought of even during the new developments of the city. There’s a sense of confidence that the city does care about its residents, and that they do have a place in the new Inglewood.
Overall, the event was beautiful and well put together. The musical acts brought a calmness and togetherness with multiple generations being able to enjoy. The city did an amazing job with this event, and we all hope to see many more. Many more opportunities for members of the community to celebrate and enjoy more family time like this.
