This fall, Black On The Block will return to the nation’s capital. On October 20, 2024 at Nationals Park, Black On Block will elevate the future of Black culture by providing a “dynamic platform for hundreds of Black-owned businesses, creatives, professionals, and entrepreneurs.”
“Catch us during homecoming weekend at the Nationals Park Field Plaza in Washington D.C. on Sunday, October 20th,” a message from Black On The Block reads.
Black On The Block has deep roots in the city of Washington. Both founders, Lanie and Char Edwards, attended college in the nation’s capital. More recently, they teamed up with newly-acquired Houston Texans Wide Receiver Stefon Diggs to bring Black On The Block to Franklin Park in 2022.
“It’s not just your average marketplace, it really has a block party feel for all ages,” Lanie Edwards told Forbes in 2022.
“We are both small business owners ourselves and we wanted a way to support other Black businesses because we know how hard it is.”
This time around, the traveling block party makes its way to Nationals Park as Howard University celebrates its 100th homecoming. As Washington, D.C. residents celebrate the city’s unofficial holiday, a cast of yet-to-be-named performers will take the stage during Yardfest and the Bison take on the Tennessee State University Tigers.
“Each year, Homecoming brings so many people together to celebrate what makes Howard University so special,” Howard University SVP of Development and Alumni Relations David P. Bennett said.
“Each day of the week will be filled with activities that really speak to the spirit of Howard University and the impact it has had on our culture. We hope everyone saves the date and gets ready for a week of festivities 100 years in the making.”
