For the 15th year, Annapolis residents and others from around the region will gather in the name of a slave to celebrate African, African-American and Caribbean culture.

The Kunta Kinte Heritage Festival - named for the slave-ancestor of Roots author Alex Haley who is believed to have arrived in Annapolis in 1767 - will run from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. today and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. tomorrow near the water on the campus of St. John's College.

"I think it is important that we know our descendants are still alive in spirit, and they have left a legacy for us to fulfill," said Renee Spears, co-chairwoman of the festival's entertainment committee. "That is what we bring with the Kunta Kinte Heritage Festival."

The festival draws thousands of visitors each year. It boasts an entertainment lineup on two stages featuring story-tellers, dance performances and gospel, jazz, R&B;, doo-wop, funk, reggae and go-go music. About 65 vendors will be on hand selling Nigerian carvings, Haitian masks, Kenyan sculptures, modern African-American art and other items. There is also a children's tent with crafts and other activities.

Tickets for the festival are $5 for adults and $3 for senior citizens and children ages 4 to 12. Children younger than 4 are free.