A well-dressed performer at the Voices of History Street Fair having fun.

Experience Baltimore’s Voices of History Street Fair—celebrating Black heritage, family fun, and community wellness all in one vibrant event.

BY ARTCENTRON NEWS STAFF

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND- On Saturday, June 28, 2025, Baltimore will once again come alive with vibrant color, sound, and unity during the 8th Annual “Voices of History” Street Fair, presented by the National Great Blacks in Wax Museum. From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., East North Avenue between 1601–1659 transforms into a thriving corridor of Black history, culture, community healing, and artistic expression.

This free community event is designed for individuals and families from every background to gather, connect, and celebrate the resilience and legacy of African American heritage. Located in the heart of Baltimore City, the Street Fair is a highly anticipated summer tradition, drawing locals and visitors alike for a day of education, entertainment, and empowerment.

From local craft and food vendors to art installations and live music, the “Voices of History” Street Fair offers a wide spectrum of activities that reflect the cultural richness and historical significance of the community.

Live Music and Entertainment Showcasing Local Talent

Attendees will be immersed in a continuous lineup of live musical performances, featuring some of Baltimore’s most gifted artists. With genres spanning R&B, hip-hop, jazz, gospel, and spoken word, the music acts highlight the diversity and talent within the city’s thriving arts scene.

The main stage will serve as the heartbeat of the Street Fair, where powerful lyrics, rhythmic beats, and dynamic vocals will captivate audiences of all ages.

Interactive Children’s Zone: Fun and Learning for All Ages

The event features a dedicated Children’s Area, designed to provide hands-on, age-appropriate activities for kids. Children can enjoy:

• Interactive storytelling sessions
• Face painting and creative art stations
• Games and inflatable play areas
• Educational booths with fun health and literacy activities

This zone ensures that young attendees not only have fun but also engage in enriching experiences that spark creativity and promote learning.

Wellness and Community Resource Booths

Health and wellness are central themes of this year’s Street Fair. Numerous booths will provide free health screenings, wellness consultations, and educational materials on topics including:

• Nutrition and healthy eating
• Mental health awareness
• Preventive care and screenings
• Community services and social resources

These health initiatives align with the museum’s involvement in the Existential Determinants of Health (E.D.O.H.) Initiative, a program that emphasizes healing and health equity through creative expression and cultural affirmation.

Walk Through Black History: Museum Access and Exhibits

The National Great Blacks in Wax Museum will be open for walk-in visitors and scheduled group tours throughout the day. Known for its lifelike wax figures and immersive storytelling, the museum offers a powerful journey through the contributions and struggles of Black leaders, inventors, activists, and cultural icons.

New Wax Figure Honoring Henrietta Lacks

A special highlight of this year’s celebration is the unveiling of a new wax figure honoring Henrietta Lacks—a pivotal figure in the history of medical science. Lacks’ HeLa cells, taken without her consent during cancer treatment at Johns Hopkins Hospital in the 1950s, became one of the most important tools in biomedical research, contributing to:

• The polio vaccine
• Cancer treatment innovations
• HIV/AIDS research
• COVID-19 vaccine development

Her story continues to spark crucial conversations about ethics, consent, and racial equity in medicine. In tribute, Johns Hopkins University recently broke ground on a 34,000-square-foot biomedical building bearing her name—a landmark honoring her enduring legacy.

Stephen Hayes’ Cash Crop Exhibit: Confronting the Past Through Art

Another compelling feature of the museum during the fair is the “Cash Crop” exhibit by acclaimed artist Stephen Hayes. This installation uses sculpture and visual storytelling to confront the brutal realities of the transatlantic slave trade, illustrating the inhumane commodification of Black bodies in the name of profit.

Through lifelike statues and symbolic imagery, Hayes evokes emotional reflection and dialogue on the historical trauma that continues to influence the present. The exhibit is a poignant reminder of the importance of remembrance, justice, and healing.

The Roots and Growth of the “Voices of History” Street Fair

Launched in 2015, the “Voices of History” Street Fair began as a way to support the Growing Griots Literacy Learning Program, empowering youth to explore history and storytelling through oral traditions. Over the years, the fair has expanded into a major annual event, incorporating:

• Juneteenth commemorations
• The museum’s anniversary celebrations
• Expanded wellness programs
• Live arts and public history initiatives

This year’s event reaffirms its commitment to community enrichment, historical preservation, and the transformative power of culture.

Art, Culture, and Collective Healing Through the E.D.O.H. Initiative

As part of the E.D.O.H. Initiative, the Street Fair continues to act as a vital space for creative expression, resilience, and recovery. The initiative emphasizes how systemic injustices—ranging from racism and economic disparity to educational inequity—affect community health. Through art, storytelling, and shared cultural memory, the museum and its partners aim to foster healing and holistic well-being.

Workshops, performances, and public art projects rooted in E.D.O.H. values will be woven throughout the event, encouraging both personal reflection and collective transformation.

Why You Should Attend the 2025 Voices of History Street Fair

The 2025 “Voices of History” Street Fair is more than just a street festival—it is a celebration of identity, resilience, and legacy. Whether you’re a Baltimore resident or a first-time visitor, this event invites you to:

• Explore the richness of Black History
• Support local artisans and vendors
• Engage with health and wellness resources
• Witness powerful art and musical talent
• Participate in intergenerational learning and fun

By attending, you contribute to a living legacy that honors the past, celebrates the present, and inspires a more equitable future.

Voices of History Street Fair: Event Details at a Glance

• Event: Voices of History Street Fair
• Date: Saturday, June 28, 2025
• Time: 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
• Location: 1601–1659 East North Avenue, Baltimore, MD
• Admission: Free and open to the public
• Host: National Great Blacks in Wax Museum

Plan Your Visit and Support a Legacy of Change

Come for the music. Stay for the history. Leave inspired.

Mark your calendars and bring your family and friends to one of Baltimore’s most important cultural events of the year. Your presence supports the ongoing mission of the National Great Blacks in Wax Museum—to educate, to elevate, and to empower.

Are you attending this year’s Voices of History Street Fair? Share your expectations with us.