by Susan Fried
Hundreds of people enjoyed the best weather of Memorial Day weekend as they sauntered down Jackson Street from 23rd to MLK during the 4th Annual Honoring Our Black Wall Streets. Africatown Community Land Trust started the event in 2021 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Black Wall Street Massacre in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and while it references a truly horrible event, it is also a celebration of locally owned Black businesses and nonprofits, uplifting Black entrepreneurs, and bringing the community together.
Over 100 businesses participated in this year's events, selling everything from clothing, shoes, and jewelry to baskets, dolls, and art. There were numerous food vendors offering barbecue, hot dogs, snowcones, boiled peanuts, and so much more. Local nonprofits and startups provided information and services and raised money for their organizations.
The day was filled with people dancing in the street, jumping rope, playing vibe bingo, and, of course, shopping.
Susan Fried is a 40-year veteran photographer. Her early career included weddings, portraits, and commercial work — plus, she's been The Skanner News' Seattle photographer for 25 years. Her images have appeared in the University of Washington's The Daily, The Seattle Globalist, Crosscut, and many more.She's been an Emerald contributor since 2015. Follow her on Instagram @fried.susan.
Featured Image: The Mshenga a Babu Rhythm Ensemble performs during the Africatown Community Land Trust's 4th Annual Honoring Our Black Wall Streets on May 27. (Photo: Susan Fried)
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Before you move on to the next story …
The South Seattle Emerald™ is brought to you by Rainmakers. Rainmakers give recurring gifts at any amount. With around 1,000 Rainmakers, the Emerald™ is truly community-driven local media. Help us keep BIPOC-led media free and accessible.
If just half of our readers signed up to give $6 a month, we wouldn’t have to fundraise for the rest of the year. Small amounts make a difference.
We cannot do this work without you. Become a Rainmaker today!