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Seattle’s largest black festival is this weekend at Judkins Park.

SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/280242_festival04.html

Largest black festival opens

Saturday, August 5, 2006

By MARY ANDON
P-I REPORTER

Umoja Fest director K. Wyking Garrett has fond memories of the longtime Central District festival, Seattle’s largest and oldest black community celebration.

Following in the footsteps of his father, Garrett is a second-generation Umoja Fest organizer.

“It was a positive event, I would make some money working for vendors, eat good food, see old friends and family members,” Garrett said.

The three-day Umoja Fest is being held this weekend in Judkins Park. The spirit of the Umoja Fest African Heritage Festival & Parade spans more than five decades and has been credited as the inspiration behind Seafair.

The event kicked off Friday, featuring a children’s festival, live African performances and vendors showcasing artwork. The event, which continues through Sunday, will feature an Urban Music Fest, dance and step competitions as well as educational and health fairs.

“Umoja,” a Swahili word which means “unity,” is what the festival is all about. But for many who have Central District roots, gentrification has made unity difficult when their community is disappearing.

“This year represents a big turn, we are here to rescue and preserve the black community festival,” Garrett said.