Harlem Cultural Festival Foundation, Farmville Arts Council, Southwest & The Rakiem Walker Project Unite for Roberta Flack Tribute Concert

On Friday, February 13, 2026, the Harlem Cultural Festival Foundation (HCFF), in partnership with the Farmville Arts Council, Southwest, and The Rakiem Walker Project, came together to honor the legendary, grammy award winning singer, pianist and HCF 1969 artist Roberta Flack with a tribute concert held at the historic Paramount Theater in Farmville, North Carolina.

The Roberta Flack Tribute Concert was part of HCFF's 2026 Legacy Tribute Series, which launched on January 30th with a reception at The Victoria Theater | Renaissance New York Harlem Hotel. Titled Honoring Our Partners, Celebrating Our Impact, the reception was held to thank HCFF's sponsors and partners for their invaluable support in helping the organization create the meaningful cultural, social and economic impact it has achieved since its inception including the support of Southwest Airlines. Through its partnership with HCFF, Southwest sponsored airline travel for the performing artists, as well as family members of Roberta Flack, ensuring that those closest to her legacy could be present for the occasion.

The tribute concert featured GLRYA and The Rakiem Walker Project performing Roberta Flack's most beloved and iconic songs, including Killing Me Softly, I Feel Like Making Love, and a duet of The Closer I Get to You accompanied by Jameel Amier McKanstry. Alumni of Roberta Flack's music classes from 1959 to 1960, attended the event and participated in the program by reading excerpts from her book to children.

Alex Joyner, Mayor of Farmville, presented a formal Proclamation declaring February 13th Roberta Flack Day and designating Carol Wright Hovey, cousin of Roberta Flack, an honorary citizen of Farmville, a heartfelt recognition of Roberta Flack’s profound and lasting impact on the community.

The celebration continued following the concert with a reception hosted by the Greenville Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. in the adjacent Emerge Gallery, providing guests with a warm and festive opportunity to gather, connect, and reflect on a truly special evening.

The Roberta Flack Tribute Concert stands as a powerful example of how HCFF's partnerships with corporate sponsors and community organizations can bring history, music, and legacy together in a celebration that honors the past while inspiring future generations.