This year I made plans to go to the Roots Picnic in Philadelphia for a fun, cultural experience with my Black community. It did not disappoint.
The Roots Picnic Festival, organized by the legendary hip-hop band The Roots, is a celebration of Black identity, music, and the arts. Held annually in Philadelphia, the festival features a dynamic line-up of artists across genres, from hip-hop to soul, and includes performances, art exhibits, and panel discussions.
This year’s line up was star-studded from classics like headliners Jill Scott, Nas, Lil Wayne, Andre 3000, Babyface, Method Man and Red Man, Scarface, to innovators like Robert Glasper, The Dream, Smino, and Sexyy Red. I personally enjoyed seeing Jill Scott in all her glamor and style, soothing the crowd with her deep, sweet vocals. From “Gettin’ in the Way” to “Golden,” she was as impressive as I imagined she would be.
During Marvin Gaye inspired R&B artist October London’s set, he brought out special guests, The Shindellas, a soulful trio, continuing the legacy of Black women’s groups in music. One of The Shindellas, Kasi Jones, reigns from Seattle, WA (yes, pun intended!) and happens to be a friend of mine from college; to see her shine on the stages she’s been on, from the Country Music Television Awards to the Roots Picnic, has been nothing short of magical; it hits differently when there is a personal connection to the artist.
The VIP section at the festival showcased art pieces from artists across the nation, including Tacoma, WA artist Christina Martinez, known on Instagram as Sew Trill. I was once again blown away to see talent from my home state across the country in Philly! Martinez was with her family and let me snap a photo with her and her daughter, a special moment for me as a fan and follower. As a fellow mother, I truly appreciate seeing a working mom with her kids in tow. This paradigm shift has become a new standard and I ‘m here for it!
These connections to home were a pleasant surprise and solidified that I chose the right place and right time. Immersive engagement with Black culture, music and art can offer a deeper connection to Black community and the diaspora of blackness across America. These experiences filled and enriched my spirit, replenishing energy that’s often drained by having to exist and persist in mostly White spaces.
Philly’s cultural vibrancy is matched by its history and connections to pop culture, such as the legendary Rocky Balboa movies and his classic run up the stairs of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. I couldn’t resist reliving this iconic moment from the movie, and found a fellow tourist to take my photo with the Rocky statue, while representing The Black Lens of Spokane.
This trip was enjoyable, enriching and reenergizing. Whether it’s The Roots Picnic 2025, or some other festival or destination that speaks to you, I recommend being intentional about finding Black spaces to experience. My travel reinforced the importance of creating and caring for these spaces here locally in Spokane as well.