Gov. Wes Moore Talks Afro Plus Fest, Maryland’s Entertainment Aims And Economic Growth

Afro Plus Fest, billed as the world’s largest celebration of global Black music and culture, will take place in Maryland for the first time this Labor Day Weekend. With the festival now held in burgeoning Prince George’s County, Gov. Wes Moore spoke with NewsOne about Maryland’s aims to develop entertainment opportunities, economic growth, and how Marylanders could benefit.

Now in its second year, Afro Plus Fest has expanded from its one-day format to a full three days of performances, brand activations, vendors, and more entertainment options for all ages. The move from Washington, D.C., to nearby Landover gives the festival a larger platform and the promise of future large-scale endeavors, along with increased growth for area businesses.

Gov. Wes Moore sees Afro Plus Fest as another feather in the cap for the state and his administration’s efforts to give Marylanders a reason to not only spend their dollars in their own backyards, but also invite visitors nationwide to take in the state’s rich history, especially as it pertains to the Black community, diverse neighborhoods, nature, and more.

Below is our Q&A with Gov. Wes Moore.

With major entertainment events such as Afro Plus Fest in Prince George’s County, Souled Out Dates in Charles County, and the arrival of Sandlot from D.C. to Prince George’s County as well, are we seeing a wider push to make Maryland an entertainment destination?

Maryland has a long history as a world-class entertainment destination. In Maryland, we are not afraid to tap into our potential as a leader in entertainment and cultural festivals, music, film, and more. In the past year, we’ve hosted major events like AFRAM, Ways West, and All Things Go, and we’re excited to add Afro Plus Fest to that list. And we’re always looking fo r more opportunities to grow and continue to attract the biggest players in entertainment.

Large-scale events like the aforementioned festivals and venues will no doubt bring an economic boost to the respective counties. What efforts can you speak of to retain that manner of energy and keep Marylanders in their own backyards instead of nearby areas such as D.C., Northern Virginia, and the like?

Continuing to host entertainment and arts events right here in our state is very important to the success of our local businesses and local economies. These events also give Marylanders an opportunity to enjoy themselves in their very own backyards while enriching their own communities by keeping their dollar circulating right here at home.

We’re excited to welcome a brand-new Sphere venue to the National Harbor, which is expected to generate more than $1.5 billion annually and support approximately 8,000 jobs once operational. Additionally, we’ve updated the Preakness schedule so that races will be back-to-back for a whole weekend of top-tier horse racing and entertainment.

Residents of the state are well aware of its diversity, green spaces, dining options, and more. What would you like for our readers from across the nation to learn about Maryland as a whole?

People often call Maryland “America in Miniature,” and that’s because it boasts all the best of what this country has to offer. Maryland is a place where everyone is welcome, and everyone has an opportunity to thrive. Together, we’ve made record accomplishments. We’ve driven violent crime to record lows and cut taxes for the middle class.

We’re creating opportunities for hardworking families to succeed and have made record investments in our K-12 education system and HBCUs. We’ve attracted over $14 billion in private investments like Sphere and AstraZeneca and created 60,000 new businesses since I’ve taken office. We’re not done making progress, so I’m inviting every future Marylander to join us.

Considering your own cultural heritage, how exciting is it to have music artists from across the diaspora representing on the big stage at Afro Plus Fest?

When I think about my own heritage and about what it means to have artists from across the diaspora on a stage right here in Maryland, it’s more than exciting – it’s personal, it’s family. Afro Plus Fest is a homecoming for communities across our state and across the country to come together and celebrate the bonds that connect us.

Music shaped me, so when I look at this lineup, I’m proud both as a fan and as somebody who understands that this is a chance for everyone to celebrate how deep our culture runs through the music we all love.

I have to give a special shout-out to the “Made In DMV” performers and hope everyone shows them some love this weekend.

Afro Plus Fest takes place this Labor Day Weekend at the Northwest Stadium Complex in Landover, Maryland.

Click here for more information.

SEE ALSO:

Maryland’s Gov. Wes Moore Signs Environmental Justice EO

Gov. Wes Moore Warns Black Voters Of Trump’s Divisive Rhetoric