A celebration of culture and heritage was the goal of the first-ever Newton African-American History Festival held on Saturday.

The event, a product of One Voice - a coalition of various community and civic groups, featured various activities including the middle school and high school history bowl contest and debate team competitions with Newton County schools participating as well as, the crowd favorite, step team demonstations during intermissions of the debates.

Step teams from Springfield Baptist Church shared their faith through their own ministries.

Leaders for the boys' group, Stepping with Authority, are Brian Green, Quincy Barnett and Carlos Sutton.

Those leading the girls' group, The Gems, are Nwaka Mullins, Kyla Sweeting and Shaunta Lacey.