Second Line Parade & Sneaker Ball 2022

On August 6th, 2022, join Karamu House, the oldest African American producing theatre company in the nation, for the annual Second Line Parade & Sneaker Ball. The Second Line Parade is a celebration of life through a traditional African American New Orleans style procession honoring African American history, Cleveland, and Karamu Alum. The event will take place at Cleveland’s historic Lake View Cemetery.

At the Sneaker Ball, be liberated by the live music and satiate yourself with delicious creole food and drinks. Come in all-white attire and show off your freshest pair of sneakers. Don’t forget a white handkerchief to clear the air of negativity; after all, in Swahili, Karamu means “a place of joyful gathering”.

Karamu House is a non-profit organization that depends on the support of its donors. The Second Line Parade is a fund raiser to maintain Karamu’s unique program working to champion the African American experience through professional theatre, education, and community initiatives. Home to Langston Hughes and visited by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, Karamu looks forward to seeing you this Summer to have fun and experience its unique history.