Karen Jones greets her old friend Josephine Howell at the annual ROOTS Family Celebration. (Photo: Susan Fried)

PHOTO ESSAY | ROOTS Family Celebration 2023: A Seattle Tradition

Although the wind and ominous gray skies were a departure from the stretch of recent sunny days, ROOTS attendees weren't going to let the clouds ruin their fun. The annual summer gathering brings together Seattle's original Black families for fun, food, connection, and the renewing of old friendships.

Published on:

Sep 05, 2023, 11:44 pm

by Susan Fried

Dozens of families representing up to four generations gathered for the 51st ROOTS (Relatives of Old Timers) Family Celebration at Jimi Hendrix Park on Sunday, Sept. 3. Although the wind and ominous gray skies were a departure from the stretch of recent sunny days, ROOTS attendees weren't going to let the clouds ruin their fun. The annual summer gathering brings together Seattle's original Black families for fun, food, connection, and the renewing of old friendships.

The event included performances by Debbie Cavitt, Josephine Howell, CT Thompson, and Lizzie Sunchine, spoken word by Verbal Oasis, and dance with Toni Bailey and the Throwbacks. The ROOTS Committee honored Clarence Acox Jr. with the Community Award of Excellence and recognized local musical artists Josephine Howell, CT Thompson, Butch Harrison, and Sam Chambliss.

The Breakfast Club, one of the sponsors of the ROOTS Celebration (along with the Northwest Black Pioneers), presented five scholarships to local students.

ROOTS is a beloved tradition in Seattle's Black community because it brings together old friends and family once a year to reminisce, laugh, and have lots of fun.

Photo depicting Henry Nelson and Rico Hawksins in white long-sleeved shirts shaking hands and laughing.

Friends Henry Nelson and Rico Hawkins share a laugh during the 51st ROOTS Family Celebration on Sept. 3 at Jimi Hendrix Park. (Photo: Susan Fried)

Photo depicting Shelby Washington in a brown shirt standing next to a black Cadillac.

Shelby Washington stands by his 1966 Cadillac, part of the 'Old Rides' car collection on display. (Photo: Susan Fried)

Photo depicting Quintile Banks in a black T-shirt taking a photo of Detective Cookie Bouldin in uniform.

Quintile Banks, 9, takes a picture of Seattle Police Detective Denise 'Cookie' Bouldin in a refurbished 1973 Dodge van, part of the 'Old Rides' car collection display. (Photo: Susan Fried)

Photo depicting Debbie Cavatt wearing red performing in Jimi Hendrix Park.

Debbie Cavitt performs during the 51st ROOTS Family Celebration. (Photo: Susan Fried)

Photo depicting Jason Chambliss in a blue baseball cap and colorful patterned shirt playing the trumpet.

Jason Chambliss plays the trumpet as part of the backup band for the performers at the 51st ROOTS Family Celebration, Sept. 3, at Jimi Hendrix Park. (Photo: Susan Fried)

Photo depicting a group of Black-presenting individuals dancing in Jimi Hendrix Park.

People dance during a performance by Lizzy Sunchine. (Photo: Susan Fried)

Photo depicting Verbal Oasis in a black one-shoulder blouse performing spoken word in Jimi Hendrix Park.

Verbal Oasis performs spoken word. (Photo: Susan Fried)

Photo depicting Ariyah in a denim jacket and pink dress dancing with adults.

Ariyah, 3, dances with the adults during the annual ROOTS Family Celebration. (Photo: Susan Fried)

Photo depicting a diverse group of Black-presenting individuals dancing and gathering in Jimi Hendrix Park.

People danced all afternoon to nonstop music during the annual ROOTS Family Celebration at Jimi Hendrix Park. (Photo: Susan Fried)

Photo depicting Clarence Acox Jr. in a blue Adidas jacket posing next to a poster board covered in photos while director of Garfied High.

Clarence Acox Jr., who was awarded the Community Award of Excellence by the ROOTS Committee, posed by a poster featuring photos of him during his career as the band director at Garfield High School. (Photo: Susan Fried)

Photo depicting Clifton Wyatt in a brown jacket, KL Shannon in a red T-shirt, and Josephine Howell in a pink dress posing for a photo.

Friends Clifton Wyatt, KL Shannon, and Josephine Howell pose for a photo. (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: Karen Jones greets her old friend Josephine Howell at the 51st annual ROOTS Family Celebration. (Photo: Susan Fried)

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