All ethnic festivals deserve city’s support

This year, AFRAM will celebrate its 42nd cultural celebration, and once again Baltimore will produce the event and provide the funding (“AFRAM Festival to expand back to two days in August at Druid Hill Park,” June 15). LatinoFest just celebrated the 38th celebration of Latino music, arts and culture. LatinoFest does not receive any support or funding from Baltimore.

In 2016, Baltimore paid over $500,000 to a production company to produce AFRAM. Education Based Latino Outreach (EBLO) is a 501(C)(3) nonprofit organization. LatinoFest is the main fundraising event of the year and uses all funds raised to provide free educational programs to Baltimore’s children and families. The annual LatinoFest is self-sustaining without receiving any funds or support from Baltimore City government.

Most ethnic festivals have suspended their annual celebrations in Baltimore and have moved into other jurisdictions. How is it that Baltimore directly produces AFRAM with city taxpayer money and city services and yet they do nothing for LatinoFest or other ethnic festivals? This is a longstanding, multiple-year disparity. Finally, in 2017, Mayor Catherine Pugh revealed this issue publicly at last and for this she deserves praise.

As a city taxpayer, EBLO volunteer, and entertainment coordinator for LatinoFest and other business events, I am asking for your support by speaking out to and contacting Baltimore elected officials to end this disparity and encourage Baltimore to provide equal support for all ethnic festivals.