815 BlackFest celebrates Black culture and tackles issues

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Rockford’s Levings Park will host the return of the 815 BlackFest, a summer festival celebrating Black culture.

The event will be headlined by Just Fine, a Mary J. Blige tribute act from Pittsburgh.

Along with the food, vendors, and music, the stated goal of the event is to address more serious issues in the Black community, including hunger, domestic violence, mental health, education, financial literacy, and homelessness.

“When we look at those six pillars, almost every avenue of those six pillars I’ve touched at some point in my life. And a lot of people have,” said community advocate Tina Renee. “But the one thing that has brought me through those pillars, and the struggles, is having those connections and those resources, or having people who surround me that can help me through those.”

815 BlackFest will take place on June 29th, 2025, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Levings Park, 1420 S. Pierpont Ave. Admission is free.

Other performers include the Phenomenal Dolls, FAB Dance Team, Yavo, DJ H-Fresh, Trinity Rucker, and a fashion show with Shereese Croft.