The First Annual Durag Fest is Coming to Milwaukee on July 25 and its Headed by Black Women
Milwaukee’s first annual Durag Fest will take place on July 25, 2020 at Kadish Park, 750 E. North Ave.
If you’re from the Black community then you know the term “durag”. It’s a symbol of our culture, our pride and how we stay fresh. Durags are more than just a scarf to protect one’s hair, but they’re a statement. Durags are a part of the culture, which means they’re a part of Milwaukee’s culture.
For the first time ever, Milwaukee will have its first annual Durag Fest on July 25, 2020 at Kadish Park, 750 E. North Ave. The event is being headed by three Black women: Pam Williams, Nadia Gates and Day’Zhane Anderson who are under the name “BlackNMotion”. Within just a few days, the event was thought of and put into fruition.
As young people themselves, Williams, Gates and Anderson understand that our youth need to see someone like them doing positive things in and for the community.
“We’re trying to use our movement to inspire other youth,” said Anderson.
“We just need an outlet,” added Gates.
The organizers of Milwaukee’s Durag Fest: Pam Williams (L), Day’Zhane Anderson (M) and Nadia Gates (R). (Picture provided by Nadia Gates)
Durag Fest is a 2000’s themed event that will celebrate Black aesthetics and culture. There will be dance contests, games, food, music, live performances, plus more.
Guest are encouraged to come wave ready because there will be a wave competition. Winner takes home a trophy for “Milwaukee’s Best Waves”.
So far, Williams, Gates and Anderson have held a poetry night and will soon be hosting a movie night on July 31, 2020 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Milwaukee is not the first city to host a Durag Fest. Places like Charlotte and Atlanta go all out to celebrate their love for the culture, and now our City is next.
“We’re trying to make it into a family function type of thing,” Williams said. “We need to come together like this more often.”
Aside from the fest, BlackNMotion is interested in entering into real estate to purchase houses in the Bronzeville neighborhood. The homes would then be used to house artists, homeless youth and provide affordable housing for the community.
BlackNMotion will also conduct financial literacy workshops and have plans on starting a venture fund to invest in Milwaukee’s young Black and Brown businesses and entrepreneurs. BlackNMotion has only been around for a few weeks and was created as an outcome of the world’s current state. The women are working to make it an official entity.
For Williams, Anderson and Gates, the biggest message they want to spread is unity and uplifting the Black community.
All guests are required to wear masks at the first annual Milwaukee Durag Fest on July 25, 2020 at 1 p.m. at Kadish Park.
Pam Williams can be reached here. Nadia Gates can be reached here. Day’Zhane Anderson can be reached here.
You can donate to BlackNMotion’s Cash App at $BlackNMotion. For more information on Durag Fest, click here.