2016 Umoja Festival in Seattle

Thousands gathered to attend the 2016 Umoja Festival in Seattle last weekend. Event highlights include the African Heritage Parade, Children’s Day, African Drum & Dance, Jazz, Soul, Reggae, Spoken Word & Poetry, Hip-Hop Fest, Basketball Tournament, Fitness Demonstrations, Gospel Fest, voter registration, vendor marketplace and a community resource fair.

Since the 1940s, the Umoja Fest African Heritage Festival & Parade has been celebrating the history and cultural contributions of the African-American community across the country. Umoja, which means unity in Swahili, was chosen as the name of this inclusive festival, which is open to festivalgoers of all ages and backgrounds. The event strives to showcase the diversity found in Seattle and bring its communities together.

Click through the slideshow to see Susan Fried's pictures from the festival:

Umoja Festival Seattle August 5 - 7

The Elegance Drill team marches in the Africatown Heritage Parade during the annual Umoja Fest, August 5-7 at Judkins Park. The Seafair sanctioned event has been around for almost 70 years and features a Children’s Day, the Heal the Hood Basketball Tournament, a variety of vendors and lots of music and entertainment. Photo by Susan Fried.
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The Los VIP Cuts played Who’s Next in the first game of the Heal the Hood Basketball Tournament during the annual Umoja Fest, August 5-7 at Judkins Park. The Seafair sanctioned event has been around for almost 70 years and features a Children’s Day, the Heal the Hood Basketball Tournament, a variety of vendors and lots of music and entertainment. Photo by Susan Fried.
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Some boys cool off in the water feature in Judkins Park during the annual Umoja Fest, August 5-7 at the Park. The Seafair sanctioned event has been around for almost 70 years and features a Children’s Day, the Heal the Hood Basketball Tournament, a variety of vendors and lots of music and entertainment. Photo by Susan Fried.
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The Los VIP Cuts (black shirts) played Who’s Next in the first game of the Heal the Hood Basketball Tournament during the annual Umoja Fest, August 5-7 at Judkins Park. The two teams played a double overtime game with Who’s Next coming out on top 62 -60. In addition to the Basketball Tournment the Seafair sanctioned event, which has been around for almost 70 years, featured a Children’s Day, a variety of vendors and lots of music and entertainment. Photo by Susan Fried.
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The Los VIP Cuts (black shirts) played Who’s Next in the first game of the Heal the Hood Basketball Tournament during the annual Umoja Fest, August 5-7 at Judkins Park. The two teams played a double overtime game with Who’s Next coming out on top 62 -60. In addition to the Basketball Tournment the Seafair sanctioned event, which has been around for almost 70 years, featured a Children’s Day, a variety of vendors and lots of music and entertainment. Photo by Susan Fried.
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Grammy Nominated Songwriter and singer from Tacoma, Will Jordan was one dozens of talented local musical artists who performed during the annual Umoja Fest, August 5-7 at Judkins Park. The Seafair sanctioned event has been around for almost 70 years and features a Children’s Day, the Heal the Hood Basketball Tournament, a variety of vendors and lots of music and entertainment. Photo by Susan Fried.
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The Hip Hop duo Flygurl performed on the Hip Hop for Peace Stage, one of 2 musical stages that highlighted local talent at the annual Umoja Fest, August 5-7 at Judkins Park. The Seafair sanctioned event has been around for almost 70 years and features a Children’s Day, the Heal the Hood Basketball Tournament, a variety of vendors and lots of music and entertainment. Photo by Susan Fried.
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Jamaican Island Cuisine was one of the many local businesses who participated in the the annual Umoja Fest, August 5-7 at Judkins Park. The Seafair sanctioned event has been around for almost 70 years and features a Children’s Day, the Heal the Hood Basketball Tournament, a variety of vendors and lots of music and entertainment. Photo by Susan Fried.
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Lovetta O. Porchia, owner of Miss Thick and Thin Mobile Boutique was one of the many local business owners who participated in the the annual Umoja Fest, August 5-7 at Judkins Park. The Seafair sanctioned event has been around for almost 70 years and features a Children’s Day, the Heal the Hood Basketball Tournament, a variety of vendors and lots of music and entertainment. Photo by Susan Fried.
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LaTwon Allen and the All City Dance Team perform in the Africatown Heritage Parade during the annual Umoja Fest, August 5-7 at Judkins Park. The Seafair sanctioned event has been around for almost 70 years and features a Children’s Day, the Heal the Hood Basketball Tournament, a variety of vendors and lots of music and entertainment. Photo by Susan Fried.
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A fraternity performs in the Africatown Heritage Parade during the annual Umoja Fest, August 5-7 at Judkins Park. The Seafair sanctioned event has been around for almost 70 years and features a Children’s Day, the Heal the Hood Basketball Tournament, a variety of vendors and lots of music and entertainment. Photo by Susan Fried.
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Charles Benford drives his 1959 Ford Convertible in the Africatown Heritage Parade during the annual Umoja Fest, August 5-7 at Judkins Park. The Seafair sanctioned event has been around for almost 70 years and features a Children’s Day, the Heal the Hood Basketball Tournament, a variety of vendors and lots of music and entertainment. Photo by Susan Fried.
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Kids from the upcoming Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute 2016 Summer Musical perform in the Africatown Heritage Parade during the annual Umoja Fest, August 5-7 at Judkins Park. Photo by Susan Fried.
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Erin Jones, a candidate for Superintendent of Public Schools, passes out literature at the Africatown Heritage Parade during the annual Umoja Fest, August 5-7 at Judkins Park. Photo by Susan Fried.
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The Africatown Heritage Parade turns on Jackson on it’s way to Judkins Park during the annual Umoja Fest, August 5-7. Photo by Susan Fried.
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A couple of little girls greet Minnie and Mickie along the Africatown Heritage Parade during the annual Umoja Fest, August 5-7 at Judkins Park. Photo by Susan Fried.
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Africatown Heritage Parade watchers look up as the Blue Angels fly overhead during the annual Umoja Fest, August 5-7 at Judkins Park. Photo by Susan Fried.
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Fai Matthews, a driver for Senior Services' Meals on Wheels in Seattle, waves at the people along the Africatown Heritage Parade route during the annual Umoja Fest, August 5-7 at Judkins Park. Photo by Susan Fried.
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The Elegance Drill team marches in the Africatown Heritage Parade during the annual Umoja Fest, August 5-7 at Judkins Park. The Seafair sanctioned event has been around for almost 70 years and features a Children’s Day, the Heal the Hood Basketball Tournament, a variety of vendors and lots of music and entertainment. Photo by Susan Fried.
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CD Panthers Football Team at Umoja Festival, August 5-7 at Judkins Park. Photo by Susan Fried.
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South Central Athletic Association marches in the Africatown Heritage Parade during the annual Umoja Fest, August 5-7 at Judkins Park. Photo by Susan Fried.
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Essence of Soul, artist and CEO, Charles Tatum stands by his stall during the annual Umoja Fest, August 5-7 at Judkins Park. Photo by Susan Fried.
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Nansare Consolata, gets her stall ready before the start of the Umoja Festival, August 5-7 at Judkins Park. Photo by Susan Fried.
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Destinee Harris 12, get her face painted by airbrush artist Elle Mouzone during Children’s Day, at Umoja Festival, August 5-7 at Judkins Park. Photo by Susan Fried.
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Destinee Harris 12, get her face painted by airbrush artist Elle Mouzone during Children’s Day, at Umoja Festival, August 5-7 at Judkins Park. Photo by Susan Fried.
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Denise 5, gets a free dental check up provided by the Kid’s Cavity Prevention Program Inc. during Children’s Day, at Umoja Festival, August 5-7 at Judkins Park. Photo by Susan Fried.
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The Electronetts march in the Africatown Heritage Parade during the annual Umoja Fest, August 5-7 at Judkins Park. Photo by Susan Fried.
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Grammy Nominated Songwriter and singer from Tacoma, Will Jordan was one dozens of talented local musical artists who performed during the annual Umoja Fest, August 5-7 at Judkins Park. The Seafair sanctioned event has been around for almost 70 years and features a Children’s Day, the Heal the Hood Basketball Tournament, a variety of vendors and lots of music and entertainment. Photo by Susan Fried.
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Britt with the Hip Hop duo Flygurl performed on the Hip Hop for Peace Stage, one of 2 musical stages that highlighted local talent at the annual Umoja Fest, August 5-7 at Judkins Park. The Seafair sanctioned event has been around for almost 70 years and features a Children’s Day, the Heal the Hood Basketball Tournament, a variety of vendors and lots of music and entertainment. Photo by Susan Fried.
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Black Lives Matter and Justice for Che Taylor walked in Africatown Heritage Parade during the annual Umoja Fest, August 5-7 at Judkins Park. Photo by Susan Fried.
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Charles Benford drives his 1959 Ford Convertible in the Africatown Heritage Parade during the annual Umoja Fest, August 5-7 at Judkins Park. The Seafair sanctioned event has been around for almost 70 years and features a Children’s Day, the Heal the Hood Basketball Tournament, a variety of vendors and lots of music and entertainment. Photo by Susan Fried.
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Thousands of people attended the annual Umoja Festival August 5-7 at Judkin’s Park. Photo by Susan Fried.
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The Elegance Drill team marches in the Africatown Heritage Parade during the annual Umoja Fest, August 5-7 at Judkins Park. The Seafair sanctioned event has been around for almost 70 years and features a Children’s Day, the Heal the Hood Basketball Tournament, a variety of vendors and lots of music and entertainment. Photo by Susan Fried.

The Los VIP Cuts played Who’s Next in the first game of the Heal the Hood Basketball Tournament during the annual Umoja Fest, August 5-7 at Judkins Park. The Seafair sanctioned event has been around for almost 70 years and features a Children’s Day, the Heal the Hood Basketball Tournament, a variety of vendors and lots of music and entertainment. Photo by Susan Fried.

Some boys cool off in the water feature in Judkins Park during the annual Umoja Fest, August 5-7 at the Park. The Seafair sanctioned event has been around for almost 70 years and features a Children’s Day, the Heal the Hood Basketball Tournament, a variety of vendors and lots of music and entertainment. Photo by Susan Fried.

The Los VIP Cuts (black shirts) played Who’s Next in the first game of the Heal the Hood Basketball Tournament during the annual Umoja Fest, August 5-7 at Judkins Park. The two teams played a double overtime game with Who’s Next coming out on top 62 -60. In addition to the Basketball Tournment the Seafair sanctioned event, which has been around for almost 70 years, featured a Children’s Day, a variety of vendors and lots of music and entertainment. Photo by Susan Fried.

Grammy Nominated Songwriter and singer from Tacoma, Will Jordan was one dozens of talented local musical artists who performed during the annual Umoja Fest, August 5-7 at Judkins Park. The Seafair sanctioned event has been around for almost 70 years and features a Children’s Day, the Heal the Hood Basketball Tournament, a variety of vendors and lots of music and entertainment. Photo by Susan Fried.

The Hip Hop duo Flygurl performed on the Hip Hop for Peace Stage, one of 2 musical stages that highlighted local talent at the annual Umoja Fest, August 5-7 at Judkins Park. The Seafair sanctioned event has been around for almost 70 years and features a Children’s Day, the Heal the Hood Basketball Tournament, a variety of vendors and lots of music and entertainment. Photo by Susan Fried.

Jamaican Island Cuisine was one of the many local businesses who participated in the the annual Umoja Fest, August 5-7 at Judkins Park. The Seafair sanctioned event has been around for almost 70 years and features a Children’s Day, the Heal the Hood Basketball Tournament, a variety of vendors and lots of music and entertainment. Photo by Susan Fried.

Lovetta O. Porchia, owner of Miss Thick and Thin Mobile Boutique was one of the many local business owners who participated in the the annual Umoja Fest, August 5-7 at Judkins Park. The Seafair sanctioned event has been around for almost 70 years and features a Children’s Day, the Heal the Hood Basketball Tournament, a variety of vendors and lots of music and entertainment. Photo by Susan Fried.

LaTwon Allen and the All City Dance Team perform in the Africatown Heritage Parade during the annual Umoja Fest, August 5-7 at Judkins Park. The Seafair sanctioned event has been around for almost 70 years and features a Children’s Day, the Heal the Hood Basketball Tournament, a variety of vendors and lots of music and entertainment. Photo by Susan Fried.

A fraternity performs in the Africatown Heritage Parade during the annual Umoja Fest, August 5-7 at Judkins Park. The Seafair sanctioned event has been around for almost 70 years and features a Children’s Day, the Heal the Hood Basketball Tournament, a variety of vendors and lots of music and entertainment. Photo by Susan Fried.

Charles Benford drives his 1959 Ford Convertible in the Africatown Heritage Parade during the annual Umoja Fest, August 5-7 at Judkins Park. The Seafair sanctioned event has been around for almost 70 years and features a Children’s Day, the Heal the Hood Basketball Tournament, a variety of vendors and lots of music and entertainment. Photo by Susan Fried.

Kids from the upcoming Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute 2016 Summer Musical perform in the Africatown Heritage Parade during the annual Umoja Fest, August 5-7 at Judkins Park. Photo by Susan Fried.

Erin Jones, a candidate for Superintendent of Public Schools, passes out literature at the Africatown Heritage Parade during the annual Umoja Fest, August 5-7 at Judkins Park. Photo by Susan Fried.

The Africatown Heritage Parade turns on Jackson on it’s way to Judkins Park during the annual Umoja Fest, August 5-7. Photo by Susan Fried.

A couple of little girls greet Minnie and Mickie along the Africatown Heritage Parade during the annual Umoja Fest, August 5-7 at Judkins Park. Photo by Susan Fried.

Africatown Heritage Parade watchers look up as the Blue Angels fly overhead during the annual Umoja Fest, August 5-7 at Judkins Park. Photo by Susan Fried.

Fai Matthews, a driver for Senior Services' Meals on Wheels in Seattle, waves at the people along the Africatown Heritage Parade route during the annual Umoja Fest, August 5-7 at Judkins Park. Photo by Susan Fried.

CD Panthers Football Team at Umoja Festival, August 5-7 at Judkins Park. Photo by Susan Fried.

South Central Athletic Association marches in the Africatown Heritage Parade during the annual Umoja Fest, August 5-7 at Judkins Park. Photo by Susan Fried.

Essence of Soul, artist and CEO, Charles Tatum stands by his stall during the annual Umoja Fest, August 5-7 at Judkins Park. Photo by Susan Fried.

Nansare Consolata, gets her stall ready before the start of the Umoja Festival, August 5-7 at Judkins Park. Photo by Susan Fried.

Destinee Harris 12, get her face painted by airbrush artist Elle Mouzone during Children’s Day, at Umoja Festival, August 5-7 at Judkins Park. Photo by Susan Fried.

Denise 5, gets a free dental check up provided by the Kid’s Cavity Prevention Program Inc. during Children’s Day, at Umoja Festival, August 5-7 at Judkins Park. Photo by Susan Fried.

The Electronetts march in the Africatown Heritage Parade during the annual Umoja Fest, August 5-7 at Judkins Park. Photo by Susan Fried.

Britt with the Hip Hop duo Flygurl performed on the Hip Hop for Peace Stage, one of 2 musical stages that highlighted local talent at the annual Umoja Fest, August 5-7 at Judkins Park. The Seafair sanctioned event has been around for almost 70 years and features a Children’s Day, the Heal the Hood Basketball Tournament, a variety of vendors and lots of music and entertainment. Photo by Susan Fried.

Black Lives Matter and Justice for Che Taylor walked in Africatown Heritage Parade during the annual Umoja Fest, August 5-7 at Judkins Park. Photo by Susan Fried.

Thousands of people attended the annual Umoja Festival August 5-7 at Judkin’s Park. Photo by Susan Fried.