February 27th 2024.
On a sunny Sunday in Oakland, California, thousands of people from all walks of life came together to celebrate the annual Black Joy Parade. This event, which took place on February 25, was a colorful and lively tribute to the Black experience and the rich history and culture of the community. It was a fitting celebration for Black History Month, a time to honor and recognize the contributions and achievements of the Black community.
Organized by dedicated volunteers, the Black Joy Parade has been growing in size and popularity each year, with over 127 groups participating in the 2024 edition. Elycia Knight, the parade director, expressed her excitement for the event's growth, stating, "We have one of our biggest parades yet – and it continues to grow. I'm really excited about it." The parade not only brings joy and celebration to the city, but it also provides an economic boost to Oakland's historic Black business district on Franklin Street.
Co-host Tayleur Brown-Crenshaw highlighted the parade's economic impact, sharing that it brings in an incremental $100,000 to Black-owned restaurants each year. This is a testament to the parade's mission to support and empower the Black community. The event features live performances from talented artists like Durand Bernarr and Dear Silas, creating a jubilant atmosphere for all to enjoy.
The founder of the Black Joy Parade, Elisha Greenwell, shared her inspiration for the event with CBS News. In her home office, she has a wall of posters that represent a timeline of memories for the parade. Along with co-founder Amber Lester and a team of dedicated volunteers, Greenwell launched the nonprofit in 2018 to commemorate the Black community. She explained, "We envisioned it as a day to celebrate rather than gathering to fight against the system and having to be on the frontlines like we always are. I just wanted to have a moment where it wasn't that; that we were gathered in a big group for celebration."
Greenwell also shared that the community's desire for such a celebratory event was overwhelming, with over 14,000 people attending the first parade. The Black Joy Parade has become a beloved tradition for many, and it's not too late to join in on the fun. The organizers are hosting a "Golf & Grooves" Tournament fundraiser on April 22 at Oakland's Metropolitan Golf Links. It's a great opportunity to have fun with friends while supporting a good cause. Plus, if you use the code BJPFestival before March, you can get 20% off your ticket.
To learn more about the nonprofit and its mission, you can watch their documentary. And if you're looking for a way to celebrate Black History Month, check out the Black Joy Collection, which features plus-sized body candles. Let's continue to spread joy and celebrate the Black community!
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