For more than twenty years, the City of Roswell has partnered with Roswell Roots to bring forth a month-long celebration of Black history, art and culture. The Roswell Roots Festival takes place throughout the month of February providing educational and poetic story-telling, art exhibits, health and wellness, and, live musical and theatrical entertainment to tell the story of Black history in Roswell, Georgia.
Beginning on January 29, 2023, the Roswell Roots Festival will feature over twenty in-person and virtual events. Please see a comprehensive list of events below. For more information and the full list of events, tickets and registration, please visit www.RoswellRoots.com.
-Lyrics & Lyre: Sunday, January 29 at 7:30 PM, Roswell Cultural Art Center (950 Forrest Street), an evening of poetry and music featuring poets Ashlee Haze, Adán Bean, Mia Willis and Jon Goode accompanied by musicians to showcase spoken word along with a live string quartet.
-INSPIRED, Student Gallery Exhibit Reception: Wednesday, February 1 at 3:00 PM, Roswell City Hall (38 Hill Street), a showcase of local student artwork inspired by this year’s Black History Month theme, Black Resistance, with public viewing hours until March 10, 2023.
-The Spirit of Harriet Tubman: Friday, February 3 & Saturday, February 4 at 10:00 AM, Roswell Cultural Art Center (950 Forrest Street), Actress Leslie McCurdy performs the life story of the famous Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad, a perfect event for all ages.
-Black Opry Revue: Friday, February 3 at 7:30 PM, Roswell Cultural Art Center (950 Forest Street), a musical collective of Black artists, fans and industry professionals working in country, blues and folk music, will take the stage to perform a medley of music for the soul.
-6th Annual Bid Whist Card Party: Saturday, February 4 at 12:00 PM, Roswell Adult Recreation Center (830 Grimes Bridge Road), the game of whist, a precursor to bid whist and bridge was introduced to African Americans during the Civil War and has become a popular card game among the community. Registration required, ticket includes a boxed lunch.
-Super Museum Sunday: Sunday, February 5 at 10:00 AM, Roswell Historic Homes, Barrington Hall (535 Barrington Drive), Bulloch Hall (180 Bulloch Avenue), Mimosa Hall (127 Bulloch Avenue), and Smith Plantation (935 Alpharetta Street) will be open for free from 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM with demonstrations, activities and tours. Also, while at Mimosa Hall & Gardens, visitors can stop by to view the exhibit, My View from Seven Feet, by Joe Barry Carroll, a NBA All-Star.
-Black Health & Wellbeing: Saturday, February 25 at 10:00 AM, Roswell Adult Recreation Center (830 Grimes Bridge Road), is an educational day with interactive demonstrations, medical professional speakers, and engaging storytelling to focus on the importance of positive health and wellbeing.
The Roswell Roots Festival is an opportunity for the community to celebrate and connect to Black history, art and culture during Black History Month in Roswell. The festival occurs throughout the month of February, with some art exhibits lasting through the month of March.
