Oakland's Black Joy Parade Celebrates Number Seven In the Sun

All Photos: Cheryl L. Guerrero/Hoodline

The sun was shining and the crowds were enthusiastic for Oakland’s 7th annual Black Joy Parade on Sunday.

The parade and festival celebrate the Black experience and the Black community’s contribution to culture.

A Diaspora Dance group member gets the crowd going during the parade. | Photo: Cheryl L. Guerrero/Hoodline

This year’s theme was “Redefinition of a Hustler.” It was meant to highlight and celebrate “the creative, multi-talented and resourceful members” of the community who drive the culture and community forward.

The parade itself included over 100 contingents, ranging from dance and community groups to cheerleading teams, classic car clubs, sponsored floats, and fraternities and sororities.

Heat Dance Line performs for the crowd. | Photo: Cheryl L. Guerrero/Hoodline

The parade ends at the entrance to the festival grounds in Downtown Oakland, which boast over 200 vendors of food, drink, clothing, and crafts. Its two performance stages featured entertainment from musicians Durand Bernarr and Dear Silas, and the Black Joy Choir, among others.

In a statement, Black Joy Parade Founder Elisha Greenwell said that though it was a fun event, it has always been about more than just a parade and party. “Black Joy Parade is an economic instigator, providing space to do what we do best," Greenwell says. "I’m proud to create an ecosystem where we can share, sell, and support each other. Nothing brings joy like being recognized and rewarded for your contributions to the community.”

Here are more photos from the parade festivities:

The Afro Comic-Con float provides a backdrop for some joyful dancing.

Angel Williams, Community and Family Engagement Director at Triumph Academy, leads her cheer squad through the parade route. This was their first appearance at the Black Joy Parade and their second performance since forming the group this school year.

Essence Dance Team warms up before the parade.

Step It Up Dance group practices before the start of the parade.

The Estrelas Do Samba group performs during the parade.

A parade group spends time practicing their Double Dutch jump rope jumping.

Aniyah Keith, from San Francisco, at her 2nd Black Joy Parade with the Cut the Check & SF Black Wall Street contingent. “We came out to shed the light on different things that we need in our community that would bring us joy, Black joy,” she said, “The thing that would make the Black community super joyous is having equitable opportunity.”

The Girl Gang Tribe members make their way down Franklin Street.

The Original Scraper Bike Team rides in the parade.

Black Joy Parade Founder, Elisha Greenwell, speaks to parade-goers and contingents at the start of the parade.

Cheerleaders wave to the crowd.

A float with U.S. Representative Barbara Lee and other Black community leaders and historical figures pictured makes its way through the parade route.