What you need to know
According to a Dec. 31 news release, the event will transform Downtown Houston into a vibrant hub of African American creativity and will celebrate African American film, music, poetry and theatre.
The weeklong experience features events, educational workshops, networking opportunities, film screenings, poetry and theatre readings, musical performances, master classes, youth programs, and live African American exhibits across the city.
The event precedes Juneteenth, which is a federal holiday celebrated June 19 to commemorate the ending of slavery in the United States. Houston celebrates Juneteenth with parades, picnics and festivals. Fade to Black officials said the festival taking place ahead of Juneteenth this year will add cultural significance to the celebration.
A quick note
Phylicia Rashad will join the Fade to Black Arts Festival this year as the official ambassador. Rashad is a Houston native and former film, television and theatre actress. She is best known for her role as Clair Huxtable on the sitcom "The Cosby Show."
Rashad also served as the dean of the College of Fine Arts at Howard University from 2021-24. Howard University is a historically black, federally charted research university in Washington, D.C., according to the university's website.
Other sponsors and partners of the festival include The Alley Theatre, Houston Ballet, Texas Commission of the Arts and the Mayor's Office of Cultural Affairs & Houston Arts Alliance. The festival will be run by the Shabach Enterprise, a nonprofit minority-owned organization that seeks to support African American community outreach and advancements through the theatrical arts.
Get involved
Residents can sign up to volunteer at the event with opportunities that include marketing and promotion, business development, event setup, workshop and class assistance, youth activity coordination and vendor assistance. To register, visit www.fadetoblackfest.com/2025 or email [email protected]. Guests can also view sponsorship levels and information on the website.
