Check the Rhyme: 10th Annual Happily Natural Day

Last weekend marked the 10th anniversary of the Happily Natural Day Festival, an African-centric business and craft trade expo, and featuring one of hip-hop’s best artists.

August 28, 2012; 9:28 AM • by Marc Cheatham

Last weekend I broke out the Cheats Movement camera to cover a significant milestone in RVA’s arts and culture: the 10th Anniversary of Happily Natural Day Festival.

Happily Natural Day is an African-centered business and craft trade expo. The mission is to promote holistic health, cultural awareness, and social change in the African-American community. A three-day celebration, Happily Natural Day is also dedicated to promoting conscious hip hop, soul music, and spoken word, even featuring fashion and natural hair exhibitions.

Founded by Duron Chavis while at the Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia in 2003, this year’s event celebrated 10 years of Happily Natural Day events with the theme A Decade of Self Determination. It featured the first ever Natural Awards, honoring excellence in holistic health and beauty.

Happily Natural Day also linked up with their long-time friends at Tuesday Verses–who are celebrating 10 years of success in RVA–for the Happily Natural Day Concert featuring Grammy-nominated rapper, singer, songwriter, producer Phonte of Foreign Exchange, and formerly of Little Brother.

I was able to capture some photos from the afternoon trade show and the epic concert Saturday night. While this year’s celebration is over, Happily Natural Day Events continue all year with great community projects like the Richmond Noir Market and the McDonough Community Garden.

For more information on Happily Natural Day activities and future events, please visit: www.happilynaturalday.com.

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August 28, 2012 9:28 AM 1