Despite ominous skies and the threat of rain, dozens of families returned for the 51st R.O.O.TS (Relatives of Old Timers) Family Celebration at Jimi Hendrix Park on September 3. The annual event brought together some of Seattle’s original Black families for a celebration that includes food, family and fun. 

The event featured non-stop music with DJ Craig Jackson filling in between performances which included spoken word by Verbal Oasis, singing by Debbie Cavatt, Josephine Howell and several other local performers, and a dance performance by Toni Bailey and the Throwbacks,

The ROOTS Committee also honored former Garfield High School music director Clarence Acox and local music performers Josephine Howell, CT Thompason, Sam Chambliss and Butch Harrison. The Breakfast Club, one of the event sponsors presented 5 scholarships to 5 local students

Those who showed up were happy to have had a chance to reconnect with old friends and family and were already looking forward to next year’s gathering.

Words and Photos by Seattle photographer Susan Fried on behalf of Converge Media.