Africatown’s Black History Month celebration February 6 -7, 2026

MOBILE, Ala. — All Things Africatown is set to host its Second Annual OWAMBE Festival during the weekend of February 6 -7, 2026. The festival is a powerful Africatown Black History Month celebration centered on remembrance, resilience, and ancestral connection. This year’s celebration will feature a deeply moving curated series of events that bridge the Africatown community with the legacy of its founders and the storytellers who authentically keep the history of the Clotilda alive.

The OWAMBE celebration will commence with an Author’s Forum held at the Mobile Museum of Art on Friday, February 6, 2026, from 9:30am to 2:00pm. Panelists include renowned authors Dr. Hannah Durkin, “Survivors of the Clotilda”, and Dr. Deborah G. Plant, “Barracoon, The Story of the Last Black Cargo”. The program is designed to engage the audience in thoughtful discussions on the legacy of the Clotilda and the books that bring national interest to the history of Africatown.

Adding to the weekend’s lineup is the festival’s flagship events: The OWAMBE Festival and Live Ancestral Encounter on Saturday, February 7, 2026, from 11:00am to 4:00pm. Keeping in tradition, the festival will get underway in the Mobile County Training School (MCTS) gymnasium with a libation ceremony led by African storyteller Dr. Deborah Ferguson. The Mobile Alabama Africatown Drummers (M.A.A.D), led by percussionist Wayne Curtis, will prompt the crowd in dance, while pianist Nate Keeby soothes spirits with soulful sounds. In addition, Vendors, artists, and food trucks will be on hand to offer cultural goods, art, and delicious food.

Just a stone’s throw away from Mobile County Training School, a Live Ancestral Encounter will bring Clotilda: The Exhibition at the Africatown Heritage House to life as actors take on the spirits of the Clotilda survivors. Local performers are prepared to provide visitors with an opportunity to turn back the pages of time and experience the rich history of the community through dramatic storytelling. While actors light up the halls of the exhibit, renowned artist Mr. Charles Smith will also discuss his powerful artwork, The Memory Keeper, which reflects the importance of preserving history, honoring ancestors, and safeguarding cultural memory for future generations.

“The OWAMBE Festival is more than an event, it is a homecoming,” said Joycelyn Davis, Founder of All Things Africatown. “It is an opportunity to honor our ancestors, tell our stories in our own voices, and ensure that the legacy of the Clotilda survivors is never forgotten.”

The Second Annual Owambe Festival aims to offer an exceptional experience, bringing people together to celebrate and honor Black culture through a variety of artistic expressions, educational activities, and immersive experiences. Owambe is a Yoruba word referring to a large party with food, music and dance.

Visit Owambe Black History Month Festival on Facebook for more information on festival details, speakers, and event schedules. Please review flyers and attachments for detailed information.

All Things Africatown is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and celebrating the culture, history, and arts of the Africatown community in Mobile, Alabama. The organization strives to promote awareness, education, and empowerment through cultural events, outreach programs, and initiatives that honor the legacy of African American resilience and creativity.