ODUNDE: A 50-Year-Old Philly Celebration

Black Presence and Economic Power in Philadelphia

Each June, something powerful happens in Philadelphia. South Street fills with music, dancing, bright colors, and drums. That’s ODUNDE—a celebration of African culture, community, and pride. This year, the dates are June 1-8.

ODUNDE began in 1975 by the late Lois Fernandez. Inspired by the Yoruba people of Nigeria, it marks the New Year in a traditional African way. The word “Odunde” means “Happy New Year.” Today, it brings more than 500,000 people to Philadelphia every spring.

Susie Paige (left), Randy Cooper (right), Madison Rose Wells Center. Odunde Festival 2019

Culture, Business, and Black Joy

ODUNDE stretches across 15 city blocks. Streets become markets, where people shop, eat, and celebrate together. Vendors sell handmade jewelry, artwork, books, shea butter, and more. Most are Black business owners.

Many vendors earn weeks or even months of income in just one day. ODUNDE shows the power of Black spending. It proves that cultural events can build wealth and support communities.

ODUNDE is more than a street festival. It’s a moment of joy that also carries deep meaning.

Why ODUNDE Matters

According to Visit Philadelphia, ODUNDE is one of the city’s top money-making events. Its economic impact on the State of Pennsylvania is $30 million and the City of Philadelphia $28 million, rivaling:

• Wawa Welcome America

• The Philadelphia Flower Show

• The Devon Horse Show

• The Philly Pride March & Festival

People spend money on hotels, food, transportation, and souvenirs. But the economic impact becomes a social statement when the festival centers Black people. ODUNDE says Black culture is valuable. It tells city leaders, Black events matter.

Black Presence in Public Spaces

ODUNDE gives Black people space to be seen, joyful, and proud. It brings generations together. Grandparents and young children dance to the same rhythms. People pass down knowledge without needing to speak it.

Black people show up in large numbers—and not just as visitors. They show up as creators, leaders, and builders. Public space becomes a place of belonging, which is powerful in a world that often pushes Black bodies to the side.

Turning Moments Into Movements

The joy of ODUNDE is real. So is the money. Hotels book solid. Restaurants fill up. Drivers stay busy. Musicians and dancers get paid. Communities thrive—at least for the day.

But where do those dollars go after the last drumbeat?

That’s the question. That’s the opportunity.

A Call to Action

ODUNDE creates wealth and hope. Now, it’s time to use that energy to build lasting change. CEO Oshunbumi Fernandez and COO Kai Davis, the founder's daughter and grandson, work toward that end with Odunde365. A week of festivities leads up to Odunde Sunday, and the organization offers educational, artistic, and economic opportunities that uplift the African diaspora all year.

Let’s join the expansion. How?

• Invest in Black schools and youth programs

• Support Black-owned businesses year-round

• Fund art, health, and wellness programs in Black communities

• Push cities to spend public dollars in ways that build Black futures

Every cultural event that centers Black life is also an economic tool. Used wisely, it can create freedom.

Final Thoughts

ODUNDE reflects strength and beauty. It’s a model for what happens when culture and commerce meet. People come together not just to celebrate but to create something lasting.

Black dollars have power, Black joy has purpose, and Black communities have the right to thrive, not just survive.

The time to act is now.

Let’s build wealth from within.
Let’s lead with culture.
Let’s liberate with intention.

In solidarity,
Susie M. Paige & Jerome S. Paige