Wa Na Wari celebrated its second annual Walk the Block festival, which featured the artwork and performances of local, national, and international Black and Indigenous artists.  The block party provided ample space for makeshift venues for artists, entrepreneurs, as well as for dance floors and art installations. Arts-and-crafts, prizes, photo booths, and refreshments were also ubiquitous throughout the event.

The block party, which went from 2-6pm, covered a four-block radius on closed-off streets, and also served as their annual fundraiser.  All proceeds collected support Wa Na Wari’s cultural and community year-round programming efforts.

Wa Na Wari’s doors were also open during the event, showcasing a dazzling blend of visual art throughout its cozy, quaint space.

Amid the block party was the grand opening of Arte Noir which officially opened its doors on 23rd Avenue and Jackson Street.  The launch of the space provided a vital energy to Wa Na Wari’s Walk the Block, which aims to acknowledge, celebrate, and propel local and international Black artists and entrepreneurs, as well as educate residents on Black culture and history. 

Wa Na Wari’s second year of Walk the Block returned at a pivotal time amid the ongoing implications of the pandemic for residents of the city.  At a time of deeply laden trauma and uncertainty, the energy shared between visitors, artists, and community members was palpable throughout the day, and was an inspiring sign of what’s to come.

For more information on Wa Na Wari, please visit:  https://www.wanawari.org/

Photos by Jordan Somers