The Kuumba Festival is presented by African American  
Appalachian Arts, Inc. (AAAA), an arts organization that focuses on  
positive social and community development by utilizing creative methods of  
education through cultural artistic programming and development.

The Kuumba Festival (KUUMBA means Creativity in Key Swahili) was started in  
1989 by local Knoxville artists and community activists who were looking to  
showcase local African American art and artists for the sole purpose of  
sharing, educating and exposing rich cultural art forms to the Knoxville  
community. This event gives African American Appalachian Arts Inc.(AAAA) an  
avenue to reach out and service the Greater Knoxville community through the  
offering of cultural arts activities. KUUMBA Festival is located in three  
primary locations including: Market Square/Downtown, Haley Heritage Square,  
and Morningside Park.