Celebrating the history of the Northwest Fifth Avenue area remains a central focus of the 5th Avenue Arts Festival in Gainesville. This neighborhood, home to the historic Seminary Lane and Pleasant Street communities, has long been the heart of Gainesville’s Black community. It once thrived with Black-owned businesses, social venues, churches, and schools that played a vital role in shaping the city’s cultural landscape.
The festival, which began in 1979, has seen its fair share of changes over the years, including shifts in location. Despite these adjustments, it continues to honor the rich heritage of the community. Nkwanda Jah, one of the original founders and organizers, highlighted the festival’s enduring purpose. As the executive director of the Cultural Arts Coalition, she emphasized the importance of preserving this legacy.
Jah noted that the festival faced challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to a decline in attendance and vendor participation. “A lot of people remember the festival when we had thousands of people coming out here at one time, but after COVID, we had to come back and take a lot of budget cuts,” she explained. These financial constraints caused many artists from across the Southeast to reconsider their involvement due to the costs involved.
Although the number of out-of-town vendors may not be as high as before, the festival still shines a light on local talent and history. This year’s theme, “Our Sound: Celebrating the History of Black Music in Alachua County,” highlights the contributions of Black musicians and cultural figures in the region.
Performances on April 25 included sets by the granddaughter of Alyne Harris, a long-time resident of the Porter’s community, who sold paintings at the festival for many years. Other acts featured 1,000 Voices of North Central Florida, the Eastside High School Richard E. Parker Alumni Band, E & Friends, J2 Jazz, and more. The event continued on April 26 with an open mic session starting at noon, followed by performances from the Smooth Flava line dance group, Bill Rogers, Mr. C. Scott & Geno Mays, and Phil Jazz Dad.
Courtney Scott, who has taken over as lead organizer, emphasized the festival’s role in showcasing the community’s history. “This festival is an opportunity for me and the community to show and display to ourselves and to our greater community some of the amazing history of Alachua County, focusing on the Fifth Avenue community,” she said. She also highlighted the importance of featuring local vendors, artists, and organizations that serve as valuable resources for residents.
Ann Crowell, a lifelong resident of the Fifth Avenue/Pleasant Street community, shared her personal connection to the festival. “This festival brings back memories,” she said. Having worked for Alachua County Head Start for 34 years, she has attended the festival since its inception. “It lifts up my heart to see our people come together, work together to do something for this community.”
Crowell expressed concerns about the changes the neighborhood has undergone in recent years, including housing developments catering to University of Florida students and gentrification. While she acknowledges progress, she worries about the displacement of longtime residents. “I have concerns for my people,” she said. “I don’t want our story to be lost, and I think by coming here, it keeps it alive.”
As the festival continues to evolve, it remains a vital platform for preserving and celebrating the legacy of the Fifth Avenue community. Through art, music, and memory, it ensures that the rich history of Gainesville’s Black community is not forgotten.
