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FOURTH ANNUAL

AUGUST 29 - 31, 2025

The Unity Block Party is more than an event—it’s a movement championing economic empowerment, cultural representation, and artistic excellence within Utah’s creative community and its allies. What began in 2020 as the Say Their Names Memorial has evolved into a vibrant, multi-day celebration, enriching Utah’s arts and culture landscape during Black Business Month.

Day 1: Outdoor Film Screening – In partnership with Sundance Institute we're spotlighting storytelling and cinematic artistry.

Day 2: The Block Party – A high-energy celebration of music, culture, and community, the Unity Block Party concert features live performances from 2025 Grammy–Nominated headliner Durand Bernarr.

Day 3: Black Creative Excellence Brunch – A curated gathering of thought leaders, entrepreneurs, and industry professionals exploring key topics on business, economic empowerment, and community advancement.

The event culminates in a benefit concert showcasing talented local artists. More than just a festival, it’s a platform for creative professionals, with proceeds supporting the development of an innovative hub designed to continue the vital role they play in supporting the start-up and small business community.

DAY 1

DAY 2

DAY 3

ARTIST LINEUP

SCHEDULE

FAQ

OUR 2025 SPONSORS

UNITY BLOCK PARTY '25

DAY ONE

UNITY AS RESISTANCE

A rally with Utah March

In Partnership with Utah March, a grassroots organization compiled of dedicated community activists, we are hosting a Unity as Resistance march.

The Oxford dictionary defines Unity as “the state of being joined as a whole.”

Unity Block Party isn’t just an event. It’s a movement that highlights the diversity that makes Salt Lake Shine.

The Unity as Resistance Rally is a space to make your voice heard. To show up for your people, celebrate your rhythm, and advocate for your community.

Meet at the horseshoe marked by the yellow pin.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 29, 2025

Washington Square

Meet us at the horseshoe

451 S State St in Salt Lake City, Utah 84111

3:30 PM

FREE

SUMMER OF SOUL

A outdoor film screening spotlighting storytelling and cinematic artistry.

In partnership with the Sundance Institute, the Unity Block Party kicks off with a screening of Summer of Soul (…Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised)—Questlove’s award-winning documentary that revives the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival, a powerful celebration of Black music, identity, and resilience during the Civil Rights era.

Following the screening, join us for an engaging discussion on the film’s historical impact, the role of Black artists in activism, and the power of storytelling in amplifying Black voices.

In addition to Summer of Soul, we will be showing an exclusive screening of Black Girls in Utah by Parisa Nkoy and Talea Jackson.

Experience a nearly lost piece of history and honor the legacy of Black artistry and revolution. Bring your blankets, pillows, and favorite movie snacks for a night of inspiration under the stars.

WATCH THE TRAILER HERE

Equipment provided by Utah Film Center. Sponsored by Sundance Institute.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 29, 2025

Library Square

200 E 400 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84101

7 PM - 11 PM

FREE

(Must register, limited capacity)

THE BLOCK PARTY

DAY TWO

A High-Energy Celebration of Music, Culture, and Community!

The heartbeat of the Unity Block Party, this electrifying event brings together the community for an unforgettable day of music, culture, and connection. Featuring live performances from dynamic artists, DJs, and entertainers, along with a marketplace showcasing local minority-owned businesses, food vendors, and immersive art installations, this event amplifies creative excellence in all its forms. Whether you're here for the music, the food, or the sense of unity, the Block Party is a space where culture thrives, and community bonds grow stronger.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 30, 2025

LIBRARY SQUARE

200 E 400 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84101

11 AM - 11 PM

CONCERT DOORS @ 4 PM | SHOW @ 5 PM

$30 - $95

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HEADLINER

DURAND BERNARR - GRAMMY NOMINATED FOR BEST PROGRESSIVE R&B ALBUM (2025)

Durand Bernarr is a GRAMMY-nominated singer, songwriter, and visionary artist who has emerged as one of the most exciting and innovative voices in contemporary R&B. Hailing from Cleveland, Ohio, Durand was born into a musical family, with an audio engineer father and a vocal coach mother who cultivated his deep connection to sound. By 16, he was already working behind the scenes with Earth, Wind & Fire, a pivotal moment that sparked his career. Durand’s distinct voice and genre-blending style first captured attention with his 2016 project Sound Check, but it was his debut album DUR& (2020)—featuring collaborations with Ari Lennox, Anna Wise, and Kaytranada—that solidified his place in the R&B landscape.

Following his breakthrough, Durand’s artistry continued to soar with the release of Wanderlust and the critically acclaimed, GRAMMY-nominated En Route, which earned recognition in the Best Progressive R&B Album category. Durand’s contribution to Kaytranada’s Timeless, especially on the track “Weird,” further exemplified his ability to transcend genres, earning a Grammy participation certificate and expanding his reach into electronic music. In 2023, Durand teamed up with rising producer Charlie Vettuno for Charlie Vettuno Presents...Where in the World is Carmen Randiego?!, an EP that continued his creative exploration while bridging the gap between Wanderlust and his upcoming album BLOOM.

Renowned for his electrifying live performances—whether performing at major festivals like Bonnaroo and Essence Festival or performance platforms like Tiny Desk —Durand has earned a reputation as a captivating showman and a force to be reckoned with. His upcoming album, BLOOM, represents a new, deeply personal chapter in his career, celebrating love in its purest forms: friendship, self-discovery, and community. "This album is a tribute to the bonds that have shaped me and the freedom to nurture spaces where love flourishes," Durand reflects. With his bold sound and authentic storytelling, Durand Bernarr continues to push the boundaries of modern R&B, captivating audiences and leaving an indelible mark on the music world.

GUEST PERFORMERS

BRYAN BREEDING

STELLA STANDING BEAR

FEATURED ARTISTS

MILES MINNICK

HONEY BXBY

QUAIL

THE KING WILL COME

CURE FOR PARANOIA

EVOLUTION OF THE REVOLUTION

AFIA CHIN

DETZANY

NUBIA SOUL GODDESS

BUNNY

JAMERA NAQUAI

COREY STEFON

HOSTED BY

ARTIKULATE

JAM AZIAM

NOLAN BROWN

PFUZZ

VIP STAGE

DJ MAE DAE

RADICAL JONES

VI:BRA

SHAADIE

NAYO CAMPBELL

VIP LOUNGE

CJ Miles is coming home. 🏀

The former Utah Jazz player will be hosting the VIP Lounge at this year’s Unity Block Party, sponsored by Uncle Nearest.

CJ believes in showing up for community — because real impact starts with planting seeds now for what’s next. 🌱

VIP access is limited. Don’t miss out on an opportunity to an exclusive meet and greet with CJ Miles, samples of the Premium Whiskey Uncle Nearest and local entertainment.

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CJ MILES

Hosted by Soul City Open Mic

SOUNDS BY

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ACTIVATIONS & ACTIVITIES

Kids Zone with Curly Me!

LIBRARY SQUARE

SATURDAY, AUGUST 30

11 AM - 4 PM

Presented by

Strength in Shades Market

LIBRARY SQUARE

SATURDAY, AUGUST 30

11 AM - 4 PM

Presented by

Fashion Drops by

Akomi & Soul By Amè

LIBRARY SQUARE

SATURDAY, AUGUST 30

11 AM - 4 PM

Presented By

1520 Arts

LIBRARY SQUARE

SATURDAY, AUGUST 30

11 AM - 4 PM

Presented by

be a Volunteer

Be a vendor

DAY THREE

BLACK CREATIVE EXCELLENCE BRUNCH

Advancing Business, Economic Empowerment, and Community Growth

In partnership with OurSundays, the Unity Block Party introduces the Black Creatives Excellence Brunch, a curated gathering of thought leaders, entrepreneurs, and industry professionals dedicated to economic empowerment and community advancement. This exclusive setting provides brands, corporations, and organizations with the opportunity to engage directly with Utah’s black business community, fostering meaningful conversations that drive long-term impact.

Through insightful panel discussions, networking opportunities, and a focus on actionable solutions, the brunch serves as a catalyst for sustainable economic and artistic opportunities for underrepresented communities. Together, we are shaping a more vibrant, inclusive, and prosperous future.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 31, 2025

Neutral Ground

122 Pierpont Ave, Salt Lake City, UT 84101

11 AM - 3 PM

Private/Invite Only

In Partnership with OurSundays

MEET THE PANEL

DEJA BROWN

KSL Utah

MODERATOR

RANDY OWNER

Goldman Sachs

PANELIST

BETTY SAWYER

Project Success

PANELIST

DR. SIDNI LLOYD-SHORTER

UTAH BLACK CHAMBER

PANELIST

JULIEN KAMGA

BMO

PANELIST

BRYAN BREEDING

FIRESIDE CHAT

OFFICIAL AFTER PARTY: PARKING LOT PIMPIN’

Close out Unity Block Party weekend with a curated afterparty experience designed to keep the energy alive.

Hosted by Black on Mars, Parking Lot Pimpin’ transforms Drift Lounge into a three-part experience rooted in West Coast nostalgia, intentional connection, and celebration of culture. Featuring live DJs, 90s movie projections, vintage Cadillacs, and a community-first atmosphere, this event brings a laid-back block party energy to one of Salt Lake City’s most dynamic venues. Whether you’re cooling off in the lounge with a game of UNO, dancing under the stars in the alley, or vibing with special guests in the upstairs VIP loft, this is the perfect final chapter to an unforgettable weekend.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 31, 2025

DRIFT LOUNGE

545 West 700 S Suite 100, Salt Lake City, UT 84101

7 PM - MIDNIGHT

$10 - 25

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In Partnership with Black on Mars

OUR WHY

By supporting this initiative, you’re contributing to efforts that:

Empower startups and small businesses to thrive.
Foster economic growth in underresourced communities across the region.
Enhance Salt Lake City and its surrounding areas as a hub for a diverse, high-value workforce.
Champion our Black-led arts and culture organization, contributing to Salt Lake City’s $512.1 million arts and culture economy as a nonprofit.

Join us in discovering the "U" in community—where art, culture, and impact come together.

These statistics from the Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 study (AEP6), conducted by Americans for the Arts, show that when we invest in both economic and community wellbeing, specifically, the Arts and Culture industry encourages people to want to live and work in the area. It builds a community where entrepreneurs and creative economy businesses are launched, and economies flourish.