African-American arts, heritage to be celebrated at PNC Bank Arts Center

The 18th annual African American Arts & Heritage Festival takes place Saturday at the PNC Bank Arts Center.

Admission to the festival, which will feature food, cultural exhibits, entertainment, a health awareness center, rides and vendors, is free.

The festival will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

"It is so important that we celebrate this festival," said Sharon Brown, festival co-chairwoman, in a prepared statement, "because it provides an opportunity for the community at large to experience the many diverse aspects of our rich African-American history, literature and art forms."

Among the performers scheduled are the Asbury Park Technical Academy of Dance, a four-hour gospel fest, Anointed Sons of New Jersey from Monmouth County, and Friends in Dance Ministry.

The Arts and History Pavilion will feature Afro-centric art and history exhibits, postal displays and authors with their books, according to the statement.

Two $500 scholarships also will be presented to 2005 high school graduates from around the state.

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