PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — One of the city's iconic street festivals is back in South Philly to celebrate its 50th anniversary.
“God loved Odunde for 50 years. A lot of festivals have come and gone. Odunde is the little engine that could. We made it,” said Oshunbumi Fernandez West, who is carrying on her mother’s legacy, organizing the day-long Odunde Festival.
Odunde is the country's largest African American street festival, spanning several blocks of Graduate Hospital with live entertainment, cuisine and more than 150 vendors. It’s mission is to help educate the public on African and African American culture.
Celebrations kicked off around noon with a parade near 23rd and South streets.
While previewing the event, Mayor Cherelle Parker said she hopes it helps bring the community together. She also challenged City Council President Kenyatta Johnson to a dance off at the concert.
“You know we got soul in the City of Philadelphia… Mr. President, I’m ready,” she said.
Fernandez West’s son, Adeniyi Ogundana, helped organize the big-name headliner.
“Doug E. Fresh, you know I’m going to be busting a move. He puts on a show for everyone,” he said.
And, in honor of the FIFA World Cup coming to Philly, Ogundana says there will be a new soccer lounge on 17th and South streets.
Fernandez West says her mother, Lois Fernandez, founder of Odunde, would be proud of how far the festival has come.
“To be able to carry on the torch for my grandma and my mom — these are two legendary people. I’m going to try to keep pushing things forward,” Ogundana said.
Rapper Doug E. Fresh will take the stage around 5:30 p.m. to perform. Following him is rapper Rakim at 7 p.m. on the main South Street stage.
The festival caps off a week of celebrations that have brought in about $28 million for the city.