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)

PHOTO ESSAY | Honoring Our Black Wall Streets 2024

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.

Published on:

May 29, 2024, 11:00 pm

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.

Merle the Art Lady sits behind her booth, which holds a couple of her artworks, and more of her art is displayed behind her. She is seated behind the table and smiling.

Merle the Art Lady was one of a dozen artists selling their beautiful creations during the 4th Annual Honoring Our Black Wall Streets celebration on Jackson Street on May 27.(Photo: Susan Fried)

A group of people participate in a spirited game of vibe bingo. (Photo: Susan Fried)

Volunteers with Changing The Gray Street Outreach selling popcorn at their booth. They stand together in front of the booth to pose for a photo.

Volunteers with Changing The Gray Street Outreach selling popcorn at their booth. Changing The Gray works to end youth violence and provide food and housing to at-risk youth and community members. (Photo: Susan Fried)

People walk down the street between booths lining both sides for the Honoring Our Black Wall Streets event.

Over 100 businesses lined Jackson Street on May 27 for the Africatown Community Land Trust's 4th Annual Honoring Our Black Wall Streets community celebration. (Photo: Susan Fried)

Miles Hamilton, 8, pedals a bike-powered blender furiously to blend a smoothie next to the booth supporting dental health.

Miles Hamilton, 8, pedals furiously to blend a smoothie next to the booth supporting dental health. (Photo: Susan Fried)

DJ Chuck Dance plays songs during a game of vibe bingo. He is speaking into the microphone while using a mixer.

DJ Chuck Dance plays songs during a game of vibe bingo. (Photo: Susan Fried)

Tish Gallow, concert promoter and Beatwalk producer, talks to a friend. (Photo: Susan Fried)

Kay Burnett (aka Kay the Paint Lady) stands in her booth behind a selection of her art, laid out on the table in front of her, with more visible behind her.

Artist Kay Burnett, aka Kay the Paint Lady, sells her art. (Photo: Susan Fried)

Community members enjoy hanging out with friends and neighbors and shopping at the event.

Community members enjoy hanging out with friends and neighbors and shopping at over 100 Black-owned businesses. (Photo: Susan Fried)

At the Dental Outreach Project booth, several people are having their teeth examined by the group offering free dental cleanings.

The Dental Outreach Project was in attendance, offering free dental cleanings. (Photo: Susan Fried)

The Double Dutch Divas are skipping rope while people sit and stand around them.

The Double Dutch Divas invite people to join in the fun. (Photo: Susan Fried)

Wolf Delux (Malcolm Proctor) leans against a rack of his custom painted clothing, for sale at the event.

Wolf Delux (Malcolm Proctor) sells his custom painted clothing on Jackson Street. (Photo: Susan Fried)

Manny, 10, plays chess in his mother's booth, Nia One Love. The business donates funds to provide school supplies and backpacks to students in Jamaica. (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: 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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