The Black Women's Arts Festival

Thu.-Sun., July 29-Aug. 1, $7-$10, The Rotunda, 4014 Walnut St.; Big Blue Marble Bookstore, 551 Carpenter Lane; bwafphilly.org.

by Katy Bergen

[ say it loud, say it proud ]

You don't have to be the titular minority to enjoy this celebration of arts and culture. Now in its seventh year, the Black Women's Arts Festival includes workshops, book readings, parties, vendors and performers, all celebrating the artistic contributions and accomplishments of black women. The four-day fest kicks off Thursday with an opening night party at the Arts Garage (1533 Ridge Ave., theartsgarage.com) and is followed by everything from a African modern dance workshop to massages and meditation sessions to film screenings — like author, actress and film director J.D. Walker's The Postwoman. Get inspired by Damali Abrams' "Self-Help TV," a Guyanese-American's take on self-improvement; or "That's Funny You Didn't Sound Black on the Phone," a performance by comedian Jacquetta Szathmari.