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The Joyful Souls played gospel-style music at the Soul of Second Street on Saturday. Photo by Fiona Morgan

A huge number of families and locals gathered at the Soul of Second Street for music and community. Photo by Fiona Morgan

A local vendor sold their sweet treats at the Soul of Second Street. Photo by Fiona Morgan

History Conference attendees danced to a mix put together by Michael Hughes on Friday at Morley’s Backyard. Photo by Fiona Morgan

Locals enjoyed playing cornhole during the festival’s kickoff party at Morley’s Backyard. Photo by Fiona Morgan

Crowds of people filled Constitution Square Park to hear music at the Soul of Second Street. Photo by Fiona Morgan

Locals enjoyed hearing The Joyful Souls on Saturday at the festival. Photo by Fiona Morgan

BY FIONA MORGAN

fiona@amnews.com

Crowds gathered for the annual Soul of Second Street Festival last Friday and Saturday to celebrate local Black history.

Sponsored by the Danville Boyle County African American Historical Society, the festival is a celebration of African American history in Boyle County, specifically focusing on the old Black business district that used to be on Second Street at the current Constitution Square site.

The festival kicked off on Friday with the History Conference at Morley’s Backyard, which turned out to be a party. People played games, had drinks, read about historic local African Americans, and danced to Michael Hughes’ DJ mix, who is also the president of the DBCAAHS.

Hundreds of people attended on Saturday at Constitution Square Park. There were local vendors, food trucks, a kid’s tent and nearly six hours of music.

Attendees got to hear the First Baptist Church Male Chorus; The Greens; Renita Gray; Carey Band; Robbie Houston; Joyful Souls; Salt River Band; and the Michael Hughes Band.

Many local volunteers helped put on the event, and Hughes wanted to thank each of them.

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