Community

PHOTO ESSAY | Reunion on Union 2024: Celebrating the Past and Future of Black Community in the Central District

Several dozen people returned on Sunday, July 21, to their old neighborhood in Seattle's Central District for the fifth annual Reunion on Union. The event, which celebrates the long history of Seattle's Black community in the CD, brought together friends and family of people who used to and still do live in the neighborhood.

Editor

by Susan Fried

Several dozen people returned on Sunday, July 21, to their old neighborhood in Seattle's Central District for the fifth annual Reunion on Union. The event, which celebrates the long history of Seattle's Black community in the CD, brought together friends and family of people who used to and still do live in the neighborhood.

K. Wyking Garrett, president and CEO of Africatown Community Land Trust, welcomed the reunion attendees and reminded them of the Black community's legacy in the Central District and that "there was a time when we were being erased from the community, our history, our legacies, then Africatown stepped to the forefront to say, 'No, we can't accept that the Central District is over for the Black Community. We want to be part of the future of this community. We should always have a cultural and economic hub. We should be able to live in this city, not just as renters, also as homeowners.' We're here to honor and reconnect with community. Community is where our healing comes from. Let's reconnect, and let's rebuild."

The celebration included a kids zone, the Double Dutch Divas, musical performances by Jayza Duhon and Zhanea June, and a lively game of Vibe Bingo. Food was available from three different vendors: Communion Restaurant & Bar, Moe Vegan, and Seattle Soul Kitchen.

K. Wyking Garrett, president and CEO of Africatown Community Land Trust, welcomes the multi-generations of family and friends back to the Central District for the fifth annual Reunion on Union on July 21, 2024. (Photo: Susan Fried)
Jayza Duhon sings the Black National Anthem during the fifth annual Reunion on Union on July 21, 2024. (Photo: Susan Fried)
A woman sits in the shade observing the festivities during Reunion on Union on July 21, 2024. (Photo: Susan Fried)
Kyler moves to the music during Vibe Bingo at the fifth annual Reunion on Union on July 21, 2024. (Photo: Susan Fried)
Chuck Dance DJs a game of Vibe Bingo during the fifth annual Reunion on Union on July 21, 2024. (Photo: Susan Fried)
Rahmir, 2, makes some slime in the kid zone at the fifth annual Reunion on Union on July 21, 2024. (Photo: Susan Fried)
Kendra protects herself from the sun with a parasol and fan at the Reunion on Union celebration on July 21, 2024. (Photo: Susan Fried)
The Double Dutch Divas pose for a photo with media personality Besa Gordon (third from left) at the fifth annual Reunion on Union on July 21, 2024. (Photo: Susan Fried)
Joy and her son Lyme, 7, sing along with one of the songs played during a game of Vibe Bingo at the fifth annual Reunion on Union on July 21, 2024. (Photo: Susan Fried)
Sister and brother Cassie, 6, and Lavell, 5, jump rope with the Double Dutch Divas at the fifth annual Reunion on Union on July 21, 2024. (Photo: Susan Fried)
Arvin Batingan serves up some fried chicken and sides from restaurant Communion during the fifth annual Reunion on Union on July 21, 2024. Communion, Seattle Soul Kitchen, and Moe Vegan were the celebration's three food vendors. (Photo: Susan Fried)
Anne Williams, Willie Vincent, and Freddie Williams, who have lived in Seattle's Central District since 1965, attended the fifth annual Reunion on Union on July 21, 2024. (Photo: Susan Fried)
Ann Okwuwolu and her daughter Aspyn at the fifth annual Reunion on Union on July 21, 2024. (Photo: Susan Fried)

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: People play Vibe Bingo during Reunion on Union on July 21, 2024. (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!