West Virginia is often portrayed to the world by its mountains, rivers, coalfields, small towns and urban centers.
Yet the state’s identity is shaped by people who, despite a challenging history, continue to come together across race, culture, faith, age and background to build community. That is why MultiFest is such an important asset to West Virginia. By drawing on the state’s longstanding community spirit, the recent MultiFest 36 offered more than four days of entertainment. It created a visible and welcoming space where culture, education, business, health, family life and civic pride could meet.
MultiFest has long been known as West Virginia’s premier multicultural celebration. Thirty-six years ago, the late Stephen Starks developed the concept after experiencing personal exclusion. Rather than continuing only with protest, Starks created an event that would model multicultural inclusion in public life. Today, the current MultiFest Board and Executive Director Tamara Eubanks solicit broad support to reflect the festival’s importance as a civic institution, but we need expanded future support to continue the mission.
Through the current support of the city of ÂÒÂ×ÄÚÉä, the Kanawha County Commission, the state of West Virginia, the Kanawha Valley Foundation, the Eubanks Family Trust, along with businesses and individual support, MultiFest brings together cultural performances, music, food vendors, educational activities and community programming in an inclusive, family-friendly environment.
The festival’s purpose is rooted in tolerance, goodwill and the celebration of multicultural life. While other festivals in the Kanawha Valley have learned from MultiFest’s history of inclusion and have expanded their offerings, MultiFest still provides a multicultural presence in a way that no other event in the Kanawha Valley duplicates. Although some festivals may be more lavishly funded, none serve as many people with the limited resources MultiFest raises. Because the entertainment and children’s activities are free and no one personally profits, the festival remains open to families regardless of income.
One of the biggest reasons MultiFest matters is that it helps West Virginians see one another more clearly. In a state that is often portrayed as culturally narrow or isolated, MultiFest tells a different story. It shows that West Virginia includes African American communities, Hispanic, Asian and immigrant families, international students, rural residents, urban neighborhoods, faith communities, entrepreneurs and educators. The festival gives these groups a shared public stage.
People can learn about health programs, careers, college pathways, wellness resources and support services while enjoying a festival atmosphere. For young people, seeing colleges and universities, health providers and community organizations in a diverse public space can make opportunities feel more accessible and realistic. MultiFest is not only a place to be entertained; it is a place where families can be informed and encounter pathways to education, employment and healthier lives as often illustrated by the Black-By-God online publication.
MultiFest is also an economic asset. This community festival brings visitors to downtown ÂÒÂ×ÄÚÉä, supports local vendors, creates opportunities for small businesses and increases activity for restaurants, hotels, transportation services and nearby shops. Food vendors, artists, nonprofit groups and local entrepreneurs benefit from access to thousands of people in one place. Because MultiFest is free and family-oriented, it lowers the barrier to participation while still generating economic energy.
The festival’s health and wellness impact should not be overlooked. WVU’s Health Sciences programs, Vandalia Health, Health Right, Inc., and Humana had a presence and role in connecting people with information. MultiFest supports public health by meeting people where they are.
Sundays at MultiFest provide a spiritual emphasis that is more like a family homecoming. It is a beautiful sight to see the churches come together in fellowship and community that is open to all regardless of religious background.
Importantly, MultiFest builds social trust. West Virginia faces real challenges, including population loss, economic transition, health disparities and political division. It is our hope that the state’s colleges and universities will play a larger future role in funding the festival and participating in its events. This is especially true of West Virginia University and West Virginia State University, the state’s two land-grant institutions. West Virginia State University, as a Historically Black College and University, and West Virginia University, as the state’s original land-grant university, should both play outsized roles in supporting MultiFest. Their expanded participation would help each institution fulfill its public mission while connecting directly with the communities they are called to serve.
Because West Virginia needs to strengthen college enrollment, Marshall University and the other institutions of higher education should also have a strong presence at MultiFest. The festival offers a rare opportunity to reach families, first-generation students, adult learners and young people who may not yet see themselves on a college campus. Although state leaders have debated the language of diversity, equity and inclusion, multiculturalism must be understood as an educational and economic advantage. It can expand opportunity, support tourism and help West Virginia compete for talent in a changing world.
Most importantly, MultiFest helps West Virginia tell an enhanced story about who we really are. It shows a state that is proud of its traditions but open to growth and understands diversity as a strength rather than a threat. MultiFest is an investment in community pride, economic vitality, educational outreach, tourism, health awareness and the inclusive future West Virginia deserves.
