Thousands of people attended the annual Umoja Fest at Judkins Park Aug. 2–4. This year’s event was better than ever featuring the annual AfricanTown Heritage Parade, a youth football scrimmage, the Heal the Hood Basketball Tournament, more than 100 vendors, live music, delicious food, culture, and fashion.
Organizers call it the Soul of Seafair, honors and celebrates the history of Seattle’s Black Community. The Umoja Fest continues a tradition spanning 60 years of community celebrations held to celebrate Seattle’s ethnic diversity. An annual African American community festival was originally part of the International Festival held in the 1940s but over the years the celebration was known as East Madison Mardi Gras and the Pacific Northwest Black Community Festival. Umoja Fest continues this tradition.
Featured Image: The kids from this year’s Teen Summer Musical, “Uncle Willie’s Chocolate Factory,” perform during the Umoja Fest’s AfricanTown Heritage Parade on Saturday, Aug. 3. (Photo: Susan Fried)
One thought on “PHOTOS: Umoja Fest is the Soul of Seafair and a Celebration of Seattle’s Black Community”
I loved every moment and all of the various sights, sounds, feels, and tastes of the African American Community in the Seattle area that was represented at Umojafest this past weekend! Neither early morning rain on Friday nor competition from hydroplanes and Blue Angels kept away those who long to be in community! Thanks to Wyking Garrett and the Team who worked for 9 months preparing, as well as to Susan Fried for all of her great photos!
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Amplifying the Authentic Narratives of South Seattle
I loved every moment and all of the various sights, sounds, feels, and tastes of the African American Community in the Seattle area that was represented at Umojafest this past weekend! Neither early morning rain on Friday nor competition from hydroplanes and Blue Angels kept away those who long to be in community! Thanks to Wyking Garrett and the Team who worked for 9 months preparing, as well as to Susan Fried for all of her great photos!