HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — It's Black History Month and Saturday marked the 21st anniversary of the annual Black History Enrichment and Enlightenment Festival here in Huntsville.
The theme was sharing African American culture, art in education and mentoring.
Dr. Sherry Torain, owner of Sherry's Elegance Jewelry, says "the history and the culture is so important for all of us, not just African Americans, but for everyone to learn and to be aware and celebrate the contributions that have been made by African Americans to our life, our society, to history."
Tommy Friend, local saxophone player also known as "Tommy Sax", says "you have to understand your history to recognize the present and go towards the future."
Iris Nunn, with Mary Kay Cosmetics adds, "it doesn't matter if you're Black or any culture... to keep that history in mind, to feel important, to elevate the culture, to elevate the experiences, and then just to be around people who have that same common interest in mind."
The arts, music, self-care and more have been brought together in celebration of Black culture and recognizing Black history through the annual festival put on by Rosie's International Services Inc.
Several performances were done by students and musicians in the community, "I'm told that you do not see a lot of young African American saxophone players. So I believe that I can...I'm beginning to change the narrative just a little bit," Friend said.
Friend has been playing the saxophone for 16 years, "I try to pour myself into the music that I am playing as though... I gave it my whole entire soul. So whenever I see people are arriving to it and they're singing along I hope that my music gets connected to them in some way."
Connection is why many people came to the festival, especially Nunn, who says she loves being with the community and wants people to feel good in their own skin.
"I am an expert and skin care and color cosmetics and... I really find joy in doing that and teaching people about taking care of their skin," Nunn said.
And Dr. Torain takes her love of education and turns that into pieces of art through her jewelry business.
"I decided to make these a little bit unique so it would be easy to get on. And I also have these bracelets. I have some wooden pieces for this month…different bracelets, everything is made on a stretch cord, makes it so easy, accessible to put over your hair… this is my African Ankh here…and [it's] just lovely and easy to wear," Torain said.
Everyone coming together to share and celebrate their talents, culture and history.