In 1971 soul singer Marvin Gaye released the classic track “What’s Going On?”in response to the devastation of the Vietnam War and the innumerable social injustices that Black people were facing in this nation. With sweetness and conviction, he reminded us that “we have to find a way to bring some lovin’ here today.”
Over half a century later, Marvin Gaye’s question remains as relevant and poignant as it was in 1971. We continue to experience violence and wars. Our communities are confronting the pain of gentrification, threats against women’s bodily autonomy, discrimination against our LGBTQIA siblings, and a metastasizing prison industrial complex. Watching the world around us plunge deeper into lovelessness confirms the need for the only answer: RADICAL LOVE.
What We Believe…
We believe that love is life!
We believe in the sanctity of all humanity regardless of imposed social boundaries.
We believe that the arts create space for radical openness and expression, moving us closer to self-love and love for community.
Festival Description
In the spirit and tradition of movements like the Harlem Renaissance, Civil Rights Movement, Black Power Movement, and Black Lives Matter, our festival offers musical, visual, spiritual, and creative arts as acts of resistance and tools for raising consciousness.
Mission
As the 1Love Festival enters its fourth year, our mission remains steadfast: to cultivate transformative experiences that center and celebrate African diasporan history and culture through art, innovation, entrepreneurship, and wellness. We see art as a catalyst for consciousness-raising and a pathway to promote cultural pride within individuals and communities. Our festival aims to educate, inspire, and uplift, while also increasing tourism and stimulating economic development in the Triad.
Organization History
In June 2019, social-entrepreneurs Darrick Young and Tommy Priest revived ARTIST UNITE: a two-day celebration of peace and diversity through the arts. The event included a gathering of international and local musicians, filmmakers, poets, thought and faith leaders, and community organizers. ARTIST UNITE featured the award-winning film, The Burial of Kojo followed by a justice-centered dialogue and concert. Participants enjoyed performances of Word of Mouth’s L.B. the poet, Demi Day aka The Little Rapper that Could, the soulful sounds of The Alfred Clements Band, and Grammy award-winning director and musical genius Samuel Bazawule aka Blitz the Ambassador. It is on this foundation that Dr. Melva Sampson and Darrick Young have launched 1LOVE FESTIVAL and are confident that the festival is poised to empower and heal through the expression of music, art, and culture.