4 The Culture Inc. Petition Urges Annapolis Mayor and City Council to Create Budget Line Item Dedicated to Supporting African Heritage Events



A petition led by 4 The Culture Inc, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Annapolis dedicated to promoting history, cultural heritage, and preservation through arts, education and community‑centered events, is calling on the Mayor and City Council to establish a dedicated annual budget line to support large-scale African heritage events in Annapolis.

According to 4 The Culture, hundreds of supporters have already signed the petition, advocating for funding stability for events that collectively serve more than 10,000 attendees each year.


Major events cited in the petition include the city’s Juneteenth Celebration, the Kunta Kinte Heritage Festival, Family Day, and the upcoming 4 The Culture Fest. 

4 the Culture states that these events attract thousands of residents and visitors annually, generating significant economic benefits through hotel bookings, restaurant patronage, and increased exposure for Black-owned businesses and community vendors. 

The petition highlights that local event organizers currently face competition for limited municipal grant funding each year. This structure creates uncertainty for events that have become integral to Annapolis' cultural identity and tourism calendar, according to a recently released statement. The statement asserts that a dedicated budget line would provide long-term stability, enabling organizers to plan responsibly, secure vendors earlier, and expand marketing efforts to attract regional visitors. "With a $203 million operating budget, a $100,000 allocation represents less than 0.05% of total spending," the statement continued.

"This is not a request for special treatment, but rather a request for structural sustainability. If Annapolis values cultural tourism and equity, then our investment priorities should reflect that commitment,” 4 The Culture said.

The petition proposes eligibility standards for funding recipients, including nonprofit status, documented operational budgets, and post-event reporting to ensure transparency and measurable community impact. It is described as an effort to strengthen economic development, support cultural tourism, and align city funding priorities with stated commitments to diversity and inclusion, according to 4 The Culture.
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For more information about 4 The Culture Inc:
Email: 4thecultureannapolis@gmail.com

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