Mixing Black Lives Matter and classic automobiles, the Central District component of Seattle’s annual Seafair celebration again brought an Africatown community parade to the streets of the Central District Saturday.

Umoja Fest organizers say Seattle has been celebrating an African American community festival in the Central District since the 1940s:

The spirit of the Umoja Fest African Heritage Festival & Parade is one that spans more than six decades. A tradition since the 1940s, Seattle has hosted the annual African American community festival and parade as a celebration of the city’s ethnic diversity. Originally part of the International Festival, it would be known over the years as the East Madison Mardi Gras and the Pacific Northwest Black Community Festival. It not only has been credited as the inspiration behind SEAFAIR (which emerged during the early 1950’s) but also continues to be held during SEAFAIR’s annually activities.

Saturday, CHS caught the scene early in the parade route as marchers made their way up Cherry to MLK before heading to the festival grounds at Judkins Park. Umoja Fest 2016 continues Sunday with the continuing Family Fun Village and a day of gospel, hip hop, R&B, and soul performances. You can learn more at umojafamilyfest.com.