On the heels of June’s Black Music Month, an estimated 30,000 people from across the country poured into The Mann at Fairmount Park for a weekend of celebrating Black music, culture, unity and resilience at the Roots Picnic 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania May 31-June 1.
The event featured world-renowned artists including Maxwell, Glorilla, Latto, Musiq Soulchild, Jeezy, Tems, Miguel, Kaytranada, KUR, Laila!, Lenny Kravitz, Meek Mill, and D.C.’s own Backyard Band.
Although the main focus was music, many advocacy organizations and food vendors engaged with attendees throughout the venue to promote positive resources for those seeking services related to physical, social and mental health.
On the physical health side, Double Dutch group, Philly Girls Jump, entertained attendees while recruiting members to their community.
“[Roots Picnic] sent us an email and I quickly and excitedly responded with an overwhelming yes,” said Tanisha Rinehardt, co-founder of Philly Girls Jump. “Double dutch is part of the culture– just like music is– and we want to empower the vision of joy and build a community.”
Yoga instructor Coach Shay, founder of Inner Sanctuary Wellness, said she was enthusiastic about bringing her Wellness Lounge to the music festival, sharing the benefits of being able to engage with attendees at such an occasion.
“I’m here to provide moments of relaxation and decompression for people attending the Roots Picnic,” she told The Informer.
After hours of walking through Fairmount Park, attendees could lay back and relax in the Wellness Lounge, while waiting for their favorite artists to perform on stage.
Coach Shay, a certified Sound Therapist, advocated that maintaining self-care is essential to well-being.
“In a world where we’re told to keep moving, hustle and push,” she said, “we [rarely] take a moment for ourselves and I think it’s really important even at a place like Roots Picnic.”
For local food truck owner Torri Burrell, it was a blessing having her pastry business, K’Tor Etair, attend the picnic and sell her sweets to attendees.
“I’m just here enjoying the environment and I’m grateful for this opportunity,” she told The Informer.
Tone H., a cook from Grayson & Kash Cafe in Philadelphia, echoed those sentiments.
“We’re here today to get more exposure, enjoy the festivities and share some of this good food that we got,” he exclaimed.
Rain Doesn’t Stop the Beauty of ‘Roots Picnic Energy‘
Throughout Saturday’s festivities, rain storms ensued periodically, but that didn’t stop the fun and excitement in the atmosphere.
“[I] can’t wait for those good headliners like Miguel, Maxwell and Musiq Soulchild to come on stage!” said attendee Shabrea Garvie.
Artists like KUR, an up-and-coming Philadelphia-based rapper, was in awe of the crowd’s electricity.
“That Roots Picnic energy is crazy,” he said. “[They need to] book me every year so we can turn it out.”
Laila!, a 19-year-old R&B singer was also excited about her debut at the event.
“This is my first time performing at Roots Picnic,” she told The Informer. “I can’t wait. I feel like Philly is going to turn up and it’s going to be lit.”
The daughter of the rapper commonly known as Mos Def or Yasiin Bey, Laila!’s biggest inspiration for getting into music is R&B singer Brandy, and she hopes her performance can impact someone attending like the legendary artist did for her.
“I just hope that they feel inspired and [realize] they can do whatever they want to do,” she said. “I took a risk coming out of high school [to pursue] music and I’m really grateful that I’m able to do what I love.”
‘It’s All Love Out Here‘
In addition to celebrating music, Roots Picnic offered the ability to discuss serious topics and spread positivity in the city of brotherly love.
Black Men Heal— a nonprofit created by Black women, advocating for mental health checks and treatment among Black men— attended the festival in hopes of reaching many of the people in their target audience to raise awareness and offer resources.
“We want to erase the stigma, provide easy access to mental health services and provide an opportunity to start conversations that are lacking in the Black community,” said Hans Bernier, a Black Men Heal advocate.
The nonprofit offers eight weeks of counseling and a monthly support group, called King’s Corner, all free of charge and fully virtual. While the organization originated in Philadelphia, it has branched out to 10 states including Texas, Georgia, New York and Florida.
The combination of advocacy groups, delicious food, and live entertainment made Roots Picnic a safe, positive and unifying atmosphere in the heart of Philadelphia.
“Black Mafia Family” actor Da’Vinchi said he enjoyed witnessing everyone spreading “brotherly love.”
“It’s amazing to be part of this, sharing love with [the people of] Philly,” he told The Informer. “It’s all love out here.”
During this challenging and divisive time in the nation, attendee Monica Hodnett from Silver Spring, Maryland, emphasized the powerful nature of music and Roots Picnic.
“There is always a message in music. It’s healing, It’s therapeutic and it brings back memories,” she emphasized. “It’s the only thing that brings us all together.”
