The Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage in Washington, D.C., has initiated a “Festival of Festivals” tour to celebrate the United States’ 250th anniversary. The campaign highlights cultural celebrations across the country, including the National Folk Festival in Jackson, Miss., and the G.O.A.T. Picnic in Coldwater, Miss.
Aliyah Veal
Jackson, Miss., native Aliyah Veal is a proud alumna of Spelman College, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in English in 2017. Afterward, she attended the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism in New York, gaining a master’s degree in journalism in 2018. After moving back home in 2019, she interned at the Jackson Free Press, covering city council and Jackson neighborhoods before moving up to culture writer. Her interests include tattoos, music and food, really, really good food. She now writes about culture, music and the arts for the Mississippi Free Press.
