Afr'Am Fest is an annual African-American cultural festival sponsored by the Southeastern Virginia Arts Association or (SEVAA). SEVAA was formed in November 1982, to respond to concerns about inadequate representation and funding of black organizations under the Greater Hampton Roads Cultural Action Plan. The Black Art Forum sponsored by Norfolk State University and Old Dominion University decided that a platform for black cultural arts had to be created, and SEVAA was born.

SEVAA is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting African-American arts and culture in Southeastern Virginia. SEVAA sponsors dance, music, visual, literary and theater arts. Their mission is to assist artists and cultural organizations to increase awareness and participation in African-American cultural arts through sponsorship of activities like Afr'Am Fest.

Afr'Am has grown into one of the largest annual projects sponsored by SEVAA. Its 19-year history began the second year after SEVAA was launched. Afr'Am continued to grow each year until it became the largest celebration of African-American art and culture in Southeastern Virginia. SEVAA also sponsors a variety of other events like the Summer Art Workshop for youths, the Boys Choir of Harlem and Norfolk State University Music Department Gala Concerts.

This year SEVAA celebrates its 20th Anniversary of promoting African-American art and culture in Southeastern Virginia. SEVAA hopes that the thousands of people who have supported their efforts over the years are enriched by the artistic experiences of the numerous events that they have worked tirelessly to bring to the greater community.