Unity Weekend headed back to Aiken

AIKEN, S.C. (WJBF) — Unity Weekend, the largest celebration of faith and culture in Aiken, is back next week with two days of events bringing the community together.

Organized by Umoja Village, the nonprofit connects individuals with resources they need “in a spirit of Umoja, which means unity,” said Donna Westby. “Unity Weekend is just one of those huge events that we present to the community to bring the community together.”

The weekend kicks off Friday, October 17, with a golf tournament at Cedar Creek Golf Club. “We’ve got 71 golfers already,” said Don Westby. “The monies raised goes towards helping our crime prevention initiatives as well as supporting our Richard Johnson Jr. Umoja Village Resource Center.”

Those who don’t play golf can still participate. “People can actually come and cheer on the golfers,” Donna said. “They can participate in the silent auction and other contest raffles. We’ve also launched this year our Unity Works campaign…so anything you want to give to help us do great for this community, go to our website, umojavillage.com.”

Saturday brings Shout Fest Unity Fest, the largest free outdoor gospel festival in the CSRA. “Every year people look forward to Shout Fest Unity Fest. It’s not just Aiken — we’re saying Augusta and neighboring towns, come on,” Don said. The festival features all-day gospel artists, 50 vendors, and a kid zone. “Our headliner this year is Melvin, Chris Bell II, an amazing young gospel artist, as well as everybody loves Wes Morgan, Monica, Lisa Stevenson, Chris Parker, the dynamic Abraham Brothers. The list goes on and on.”

Beyond the events, Umoja Village emphasizes the meaning of unity. “Unity is an action word to us,” Donna said. “It means bringing people together, no matter what background, to just recognize that we are more alike than we are different…to celebrate each other, to lift up our Lord.”

For more information, visit umojavillage.com. Golf tournament starts Friday at 9:30 a.m. at Cedar Creek Golf Club, and Shout Fest Unity Fest runs Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Generations Park in Aiken.