Black Heritage Calendar Fest
Did you know that the City of Melbourne was founded by three formerly enslaved men and was originally called Crane Creek? That powerful and often untold history is at the heart of the Black Heritage Cultural Festival—a vibrant, educational, and celebratory experience rooted in truth, legacy, and community.
Over 25 years ago, community leader and activist Sandra Pelham approached members of her sorority, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, with a visionary idea: to create a space where Black history could be highlighted, honored, and shared beyond the pages of textbooks. From that vision, the Black Heritage Calendar Fest was born and has since grown into a highly anticipated annual community event that brings together residents, families, educators, artists, and leaders from across the region.
This year, the members of the Melbourne-Palm Bay Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. are expanding upon Sandra Pelham’s extraordinary legacy with renewed purpose and creativity. The festival remains grounded in the elements the community has come to love - visual and performing arts, dynamic cultural programming, and immersive historic displays - while continuing to evolve in ways that deepen engagement and connection.
The Black Heritage Calendar Fest is a family-friendly, indoor experience designed to educate, inspire, and celebrate. Attendees can expect powerful live performances including music, dance, spoken word, and youth showcases; thoughtfully curated historic and ancestry displays that illuminate local and national Black history; and interactive experiences that invite reflection, learning, and pride. The festival also features community partners, local vendors, and opportunities to support initiatives that uplift and strengthen the community.
A signature tradition of the festival is the invitation for attendees to wear Afrocentric attire or the Pan-African liberation colors of red, black, and green—symbolizing unity, resilience, and heritage. This collective expression transforms the space into a living tapestry of culture, honoring the past while celebrating the present.
At its core, the Black Heritage Calendar Fest is more than an event—it is a gathering rooted in remembrance, resistance, and joy. It honors the founders of this city, uplifts the stories that have too often been overlooked, and creates space for future generations to see themselves reflected in history. By blending education with celebration, the festival continues to serve as a meaningful reminder that Black history is not separate from American history—it is essential to it.
As the Melbourne-Palm Bay Alumnae Chapter builds on decades of dedication and service, the Black Heritage Calendar Fest remains a beloved community tradition—one that honors our roots, elevates our voices, and inspires our future.
Event Links
Tickets: https://go.evvnt.com/3474017-0
Website: https://go.evvnt.com/3474017-2
