Community

Weekend festival for generation committed to give back

Charlotte millennials are on the move for a two-day festival of music, comedy, spoken word and more with event proceeds supporting a local organization that serves Charlotte youth and families through mentorship programs and community resources.
The O.U.R. Festival: For the Culture is designed for melanin millennials and diverse young professionals. O.U.R. stands for own, unite and revive.
Over 80 vendors are attending, including food, sweets, boutiques, apparel brands, financial firms and institutions, drinks, paint and sip sessions, live music and entertainment, adult-sized games and more. 
“We are targeting people who are progressive, forward-thinking, interested in making a difference in their lives, communities, and finding ways to create generational wealth for their families,” said Bianca Payton, publicity and communications spokesperson for O.U.R. Weekend.
It is planned to be a day for diverse business owners to connect with the communities they serve.
While the O.U.R. Festival is slated to be an incredible weekend of good times, there is a loud undertone of service to the community.  “We want to improve the lives of those people around us and think about the greater good that can be done,” Payton said.
Proceeds from the weekend will benefit Charlotte’s T.I.M.E. Foundation, which has served thousands of residents through multiple programs.
“We inspire and empower boys, girls, men and women to G.I.V.E. Get involved, volunteer and experience,” Curtis Walls, executive director of T.I.M.E. Foundation, said.
One of the many programs of the foundation is its annual Mentor Empowerment Network Summit.  Hundreds of young men, in seventh grade through 12th grade, are engaged by dynamic men and women in the community in a series of programs ranging from sport activities to life skills.
“Through our programming, we have created networks of professional men and women who passionately make time to serve,” Walls said.
The weekend event planners believe they have all the elements to attract people from every angle.
“During this weekend, legacy will be our mission, and new possibilities will be created,” Walls said.  “This is the platform for us where music lovers, artists, minority-owned businesses and community advocates engage, network, and celebrate O.U.R. culture of magic.” 
Mark your calendar for Sunday, April 1 when gates open at 3pm.  More information and tickets can be found at www.OURWeekendForTheCulture.com. The festival is part of a two-day celebration which will include The Black Excellence Ball on Saturday, March 31. 
If you have an inspiring story to share, please email Kevin Campbell, WSOC-TV/WAXN-TV community affairs manager, at kevin.campbell@wsoctv.com.

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