On Saturday, May 20th, West Orange hosted the 8th annual Love and Unity Festival. This festival which lasted 6 hours featured food, music, and pride, all to unite the community of West Orange. Founded and headed by Carl Brister, this festival lasted 5 days starting from the 15th, all culminating on Saturday with various music and dance genres. 

The variety of dance and music was the focal point of the festival. Some acts included ColorJoy, Mogosi, Melnar, Simoni, Roger Bryson, Haven Burton, and Blu Dione. Each act with its style and diversity reflected the theme of this event, unity.

The event was hosted by comedian and parent Adam Shandler and radio host April L.A. from WBJ Radio. Both hosts did a great job entertaining the crowd and keeping the festivities going. Also, DJ Looney Tune and DJ Mack played music throughout the event. 

There were also performances by both the West Orange High School boys and girls step teams, the Jazz 1 Ensemble, the Jubilee Choir, and the ELIXAR Dance Crew.

This event also included tables from local businesses, organizations, and clubs from the high school that further displayed the love and unity of West Orange. 

When asked how they felt about the festival, one attendee replied, “It was great…it was so nice for the community to experience something like this.” “It was better that the event was moved inside.” one volunteer voiced since the festival was moved to the Liberty gym and cafeteria due to rain.

West Orange did an excellent job of working together to pull off the festival, even with the rain preventing them from hosting it outside. All artists, acts, and hosts did an excellent job of making this festival a success. Carl Brister really did put the love and unity in the Love and Unity Festival.