Cousinz Festival co-founder receives proclamation from Norfolk

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — The anticipated debut of a new music festival was at Scope Arena Saturday brought with it a special surprise for one of its founders.

‘For the 757.’ 12,000 people expected at Cousinz Festival in Norfolk

The Cousinz Festival co-founder Nathaniel ‘Fam-Lay’ Johnson received a proclamation from the City of Norfolk, one that those close to him say meant a lot.

“Having the proclamation definitely elevates the event, because it’s like we knew this was all very official,” said Stephanie Walters, head of communications for the Cousinz Festival, “but it adds the extra layer of like, hey, the community and the city is getting behind what we’re doing here.”

On Saturday, Fam-Lay received the proclamation from Norfolk Mayor Kenny Alexander.

“He was so emotional about it, and so, I think that just made the moment even more real,” Walters said. “He had no clue about it. We all kept it a secret. His entire family kept it a secret.”

170+ Portsmouth school teachers and staff will attend the Cousinz Festival in Norfolk

Walters said events like these are to support and uplift the community.

“The Cousinz Festival, it’s just one big happy family reunion,” Walters said. “You see everybody out here, we have all races, all nationalities, you know? It’s just a big family unit.”

Erykah Badu to headline Cousinz Festival at Norfolk Scope

Festival goers also agree.

“It’s a community-type event that allows everybody to be welcomed in the same place, for everybody to be comfortable and to feel safe and things like that,” said Racheal Hutchinson. “It’s just an open variety of things to do.”

One of the event co-founders said he expected more than 12,000 people to come out for the fun at the Scope for the festival. 

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