The 31st Eastern Shore AFRAM Festival will take place next Saturday at the Western Sussex Boys and Girls Club in Seaford. Along with hosting the event for the first time, the boys and girls club is also sponsoring Kids Corner, which will include games, inflatables, face painting, crafts, and a dunking booth. There will also be a chicken BBQ fundraiser for the club.

The Mopar Mobb Auto Club Car Show will begin at 10 a.m. followed by the opening ceremony.

New this year is the Little Mr. AFRAM contest, which joins the Little Miss AFRAM pageant, sponsored by Jennifer Dickerson, whose group Heart and Sole is also returning to perform this year. There were 14 contestants as of last week.

Gospel hour will feature Bridgette Warren, who debuted at AFRAM last year, while Best Kept Soul returns for the first time in a few years for R and B hour.

Comedian Big Tyme Tunnell will make his AFRAM debut. He was recommended by another comedian who now owns his own club.

“We know that when you take the platform at AFRAM, it opens doors at other venues,” said AFRAM Executive Director, who will once again host and emcee the event.

The event will close out with R.I.C.O.C.H.E.T. Inc. (Reach, Inspire, Connect, Create, Help, Empower, and Transform) of Baltimore.The group includes neuro-diverse young adults who are aspiring artists, musicians, producers, singers, songwriters, and dancers.

DJ Eric Massey who was with AFRAM for at least 25 years will once again do the sound.

Everything will be out on the soccer field including TidalHealth screenings, car show, kids events, entertainment, and vendors. Signs will be up for parking, which will be located at Seaford Middle and High School, Seaford Parks and Recreation, etc.

“What we’re all doing is building a better community. That’s what it’s all about,” Jones said. “Where there’s unity, there’s strength.”

See AFRAM special section on pages 29-35.