Celebrating Durham's Homegrown Heroes at the 55th Annual Bimbé Cultural Arts Festival
Each year, the Bimbé Cultural Arts Festival honors individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the Durham community with the Homegrown Hero award. These are the people who embody the spirit of resilience, creativity, and love that defines our city. This year, we are honored to celebrate two remarkable figures: Civil Rights activist, Ms. Virginia Williams and Hip-Hop Educator, Kevin Joshua Rowsey II, known to many as "Rowdy."
Virginia Williams: A Civil Rights Trailblazer
At 88 years old, Virginia Williams stands as a living legend and a fearless pioneer in the fight for racial justice. A Durham resident for over 70 years, she was one of the "Royal Seven" who led a courageous sit-in at the Royal Ice Cream Parlor in 1957—a pivotal act of civil disobedience that predated the more widely known Greensboro sit-ins by three years. Virginia's brave action helped spark the desegregation movement not only in Durham, but across the country.
It was exciting, because we went where we dared not to go. I wasn't frightened or anything of that sort because either way, we could have made history. If he had served us ice cream, he would have made history. But, by refusing to, I guess we made history!" -Virginia Williams, 2003 InterviewRaised in Seaboard, North Carolina, she moved to Durham as a teenager seeking greater opportunity. Here, she found her purpose in activism and community service. Already immortalized in the "Durham Civil Rights Mural," Virginia Williams continues to inspire generations with her story of determination and courage. We are proud to honor her as a 2025 Homegrown Hero.
Kevin Joshua Rowsey II (Rowdy): A Legacy of Love, Lyrics, and Leadership
The late Kevin Joshua Rowsey II, known as Rowdy, was a force in Durham's creative and educational communities. A gifted hip-hop artist, educator, and mentor, Rowdy used music as a vehicle for healing, justice, and empowerment. He was the Executive Director of Blackspace Durham, a safe and vibrant space where youth could create, learn, and thrive using hip-hop, poetry, coding, and afro-futurism.
Fluent in Chinese, a skilled violinist, and a graduate of both UNC Chapel Hill and UNCG, Rowdy's brilliance transcended the stage. He served as a U.S. Hip Hop Ambassador through the State Department's Next Level program and was featured on platforms like BET, NPR, and TEDx. In 2023 he performed at Bimbé, sharing the stage with the legendary KRS One, and Petey Pablo. The following year, along with his rap group OnlyUs Collective, Josh hosted the annual Bimbé cypher. Through his work as a teacher, performer, emcee, and mentor, he helped countless young people find their voices.
Rowdy's sudden passing in 2024 left a tremendous void, but his vision lives on. We honor him posthumously as a Homegrown Hero for his unwavering dedication to empowering others and for the indelible mark he left on Durham.
Join Us in Celebration
As we gather at Rock Quarry Park for the 55th Annual Bimbé Cultural Arts Festival, we invite the community to join us in honoring Virginia Williams and Kevin Joshua Rowsey II. Their stories reflect the heart and soul of Durham—a city rooted in Black excellence, resilience, and creativity.
Come celebrate with us, and help us uplift those who continue to shape our city's past, present, and future.
#HomegrownHeroes #Bimbe2025 #DPRPlayMore #DurhamLegends
2025 Bimbé Cypher Hosted by Blackspace
All summer long on 1st & 3rd Fridays at 9:19PM youth gather in downtown Durham in front of the bronze “Major” bull statue to rap, sing, make beats, and create community together. Blackspace is calling it the Rowdy Summer Cypher, in honor of our their Executive Director Kevin Joshua “Rowdy” Rowsey II who passed away in April of 2024. Join us for a special Bimbé Cypher, THURSDAY, May 15 from 7PM-9PM.
At the cypher, youth are challenged to improvise and think on their toes and to build self-confidence and empathy. It’s group therapy through Hip Hop! The Cypher provides safe space for kids to occupy the heart of our city every week, to speak their truth unapologetically, affirm self-esteem, and help the creative fires inside each of them radiate. In doing so, they transform, not only themselves but the City of Medicine as well.
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