Dover African American Festival Saturday features music of Motown

The founder of the capital city’s African American Festival said the theme, “Positively Dover,” represents the goal of the event.

“We want to bring a positive message and share with the community the African culture and the African American culture,” said Reuben Salters, former Dover councilman and the founder of the Inner City Cultural League, which organizes the celebration.

Now in its 34th year, the festival will be held from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, June 22, next to Legislative Hall on Legislative Mall, bordered by Duke of York Street, Federal Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. Admission is free.

When Salters proposed the first event, he wanted to “add variety and diversity to the city of Dover and give the folks something to enjoy but also something to think about.”

“We’re going to have plenty of good food, good entertainment and good fellowship,” Salters said.

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Part of the entertainment will be a tribute to the music of Motown, while dozens of vendors will be selling food, crafts and merchandise.