About ODUNDE
Born from a $100 grant
and a dream.
Since 1975, ODUNDE has grown from a neighborhood celebration into the largest African American street festival in North America.
The
Origin Story
Lois Fernandez
Co-Founder of ODUNDE Festival
ODUNDE was created in 1975 by Lois Fernandez, who brought together her South Philadelphia community to celebrate African heritage and the Yoruba New Year. What began with a $100 grant has grown into the largest African American street festival in North America.
"The ODUNDE festival, whose concept originates from the Yoruba people of Nigeria, celebrates the coming of another year for African Americans and Africanized people around the world."
Each year, the celebration is highlighted by a colorful procession from 23rd and South Street to the Schuylkill River, where an offering of fruit and flowers is made to Oshun, the Yoruba goddess of the river. ODUNDE is also known for its authentic African marketplace featuring vendors from around the world selling merchandise from African nations, the Caribbean, and Brazil.
0+
Years of Celebration
Up to 0K+
Annual Attendees
$0M
City Economic Impact
$0M
State Economic Impact
Leadership
The Team Behind ODUNDE
CEO (Chief Executive Officer)
Oshunbumi Fernandez-West
Oshunbumi Fernandez-West stands at the helm as the CEO of ODUNDE, a cultural powerhouse and the largest African American street festival in North America. The festival, a cornerstone of the City of Philadelphia, boasts an impressive economic impact of $30 million on the State of Pennsylvania and $28 million on the city itself.
ODUNDE is not a festival, but a world-renowned cultural organization with a mission to educate the public on the richness of African and African American culture. Ms. Fernandez-West, recognized as one of the most influential African American leaders by the Philadelphia Tribune, holds a BA in Human Biology-Anthropology from Temple University and an MBA from LaSalle University.
Her influence extends globally, she participated in a Trade Mission to Brazil and Chile with Governor Tom Corbett. She cofounded Kwanzabration with music mogul Kenny Gamble. She created ODUNDE 365, in 2011 to offer year round cultural programming. In addition, she is the owner of BUMI PRODUCTIONS which is the curator to many major events.
Her accolades include the Most Influential Black Woman Award from the NAACP, the African Woman of Excellence Award from the Diaspora African Forum in South Africa, and the iHeart Radio Women of Excellence Award.
COO (Chief Operating Officer)
Adeniyi Ogundana
Adeniyi Ogundana serves as the Chief Operating Officer of ODUNDE, overseeing the operational excellence of the organization and ensuring the successful execution of all programs and events.
CDO (Creative Digital Director)
Abayomi Ogundana
Abayomi Ogundana leads ODUNDE's creative and digital initiatives as the Creative Digital Director, bringing innovative approaches to storytelling and audience engagement across all platforms.
Board of Directors
Kenny Gamble
Founder of Philadelphia International Records
Stan Straughter
Chairman of The Mayor's Commission of African and Caribbean Affairs
Bob Brady
Ret. U.S. Representative for Pennsylvania 1st Congressional District
Jannie Blackwell
Retired Philadelphia City Council Member
What We Stand For
Our Values
Cultural Preservation
Preserving and celebrating African and African American cultural traditions for future generations.
Community Unity
Bringing together diverse communities to celebrate our shared heritage and build lasting connections.
Global Connection
Connecting the African diaspora through music, art, food, and spiritual traditions.
Education
Teaching and preserving the richness of African and African American culture.
"ODUNDE IS FOR EVERYONE. WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU AND YOUR FAMILY THIS YEAR!"