ODunde ONE ORGANIZATION, THREE MISSIONS

Celebrating African American Culture Through Festival, Community, and Legacy

The Story of ODUNDE: From a $100 Grant to a Global Cultural Movement

For more than five decades, one organization has stood as a beacon of African heritage, cultural education, economic empowerment, and community pride. What began as a dream fueled by determination, faith, and a modest $100 grant has become one of the most celebrated cultural institutions in America.

That organization is ODUNDE.

Today, ODUNDE is recognized as the largest African American street festival in North America, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors annually and generating millions of dollars in economic impact. Yet beyond the festival itself lies a powerful story of vision, perseverance, and a commitment to preserving African culture for future generations.

Born From a Dream

In 1975, cultural activist and community leader Lois Fernandez gathered residents of South Philadelphia to celebrate African heritage and the Yoruba New Year. Inspired by traditions of the Yoruba people of Nigeria, Fernandez envisioned a cultural gathering that would reconnect African Americans to their ancestral roots.

Armed with little more than passion, purpose, and a $100 grant, she launched the first ODUNDE Festival.

What started as a one-block neighborhood celebration would grow into an internationally recognized event drawing more than 500,000 attendees from across the United States and around the world.

The name “ODUNDE” comes from the Yoruba phrase meaning “Happy New Year,” symbolizing renewal, unity, and cultural pride.

Each year, the festival begins with a colorful procession from 23rd and South Streets to the Schuylkill River, where participants present fruit and flowers to Oshun, the Yoruba goddess of the river. This sacred tradition remains the heart of the festival and serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring connection between Africa and the African diaspora.

In Memoriam: Lois Fernandez

Founder and Cultural Visionary

Lois Fernandez (1936–2017) dedicated her life to uplifting African culture and empowering her community.

As founder of ODUNDE, she transformed a local celebration into a national institution that has educated generations about African history, traditions, and contributions. Her commitment to cultural awareness helped create one of Philadelphia’s most significant annual events and one of the most important celebrations of African heritage in the world.

Her vision expanded beyond entertainment. Fernandez understood that culture could be a vehicle for education, economic development, and community empowerment.

Today, her legacy lives on through every drumbeat, dance performance, marketplace vendor, and family that gathers annually to celebrate ODUNDE.

The Marketplace of the Diaspora

One of the festival’s most iconic features is its authentic African marketplace.

Vendors travel from throughout Africa, the Caribbean, South America, and across the United States to showcase traditional crafts, artwork, clothing, jewelry, food, and cultural products.

The marketplace creates a vibrant international experience where visitors can explore the richness and diversity of the African diaspora while supporting Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs.

It is a living classroom where culture is not simply observed—it is experienced.

Leading the Legacy Forward

Oshunbumi Fernandez-West

Carrying the vision of her mother into the future is Oshunbumi Fernandez-West, CEO of ODUNDE and one of Philadelphia’s most influential cultural leaders.

Under her leadership, ODUNDE has evolved into a year-round cultural organization dedicated to educating the public about African and African American culture.

A graduate of Temple University with a degree in Human Biology-Anthropology and an MBA from La Salle University, Fernandez-West combines business expertise with cultural advocacy.

Her accomplishments extend far beyond the festival grounds.

She participated in international trade missions to Brazil and Chile alongside Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett, helping strengthen cultural and economic relationships abroad.

She co-founded Kwanzabration with legendary music executive Kenny Gamble and launched ODUNDE 365 in 2011, creating year-round educational and cultural programming designed to keep the spirit of ODUNDE alive throughout the year.

As founder of BUMI Productions, she has curated numerous large-scale events that celebrate culture, community, and excellence.

Her dedication has earned widespread recognition, including:

• NAACP Most Influential Black Woman Award
• African Woman of Excellence Award from the Diaspora African Forum in South Africa
• iHeart Radio Women of Excellence Award
• Recognition by the Philadelphia Tribune as one of the city’s most influential African American leaders

More Than a Festival

While many know ODUNDE as an annual celebration, the organization’s impact reaches far beyond a single weekend.

ODUNDE serves as a cultural institution dedicated to:

Cultural Education

Teaching the history, traditions, and achievements of African and African American communities.

Community Development

Creating opportunities for economic growth, entrepreneurship, and neighborhood revitalization.

Global Connection

Building bridges between Africa, the Caribbean, South America, and African American communities throughout the world.

The organization’s influence generates an estimated $30 million economic impact across Pennsylvania and approximately $28 million within the City of Philadelphia, demonstrating the power of culture as an engine for economic growth.

A Legacy That Continues

From one block to a dozen city blocks.

From a $100 grant to a multimillion-dollar cultural institution.

From a neighborhood gathering to a global celebration of African heritage.

The story of ODUNDE is the story of vision transformed into legacy.

It is the story of a mother who dared to dream and a daughter who continues to expand that dream for future generations.

As hundreds of thousands gather each year to celebrate culture, history, and community, they are participating in something much larger than a festival.

They are honoring a movement.

They are celebrating a legacy.

They are experiencing the enduring spirit of ODUNDE.

One Organization. Three Missions. Endless Impact.