The inaugural Black Joy Parade marched through the sunny streets of downtown Oakland on Sunday afternoon. People came out to celebrate culture and community through floats, food and fun.  

“We gather a lot to resist and not nearly enough to celebrate,” said founder Elisha Greenwell. “My hope is that everyone has a good time here.”

At the end of the parade route, a family-friendly fair began. Dezell Geer, 30, of Fairfield stood near the poetry stage, listening with his family.

“This is our Chinese New Year Parade,” he said.

Many parents shared the same sentiment. Cherrese Brown, 35, of East Palo Alto, said she wanted her children to be part of event.

“It’s important to be aware of your people, your culture — to be proud to be black,” she said. “It’s a beautiful thing.”

Festival-goers weaved through booths featuring black art and crafts as well as nonprofits and community services.

And visibility can be important, said Tiana Dorley, 21, of San Francisco.

“We often hear that the black community is broken,” she said. “But today shows that we’re strong. We’re out here.”

Tamarah Humphrey, 30, of South San Francisco, said the Black Joy Parade offered black people an opportunity to freely express themselves.

“A lot of people spend a lot of energy telling us that we’re less than or not enough, so when you hear that all the time, it’s hard not to believe it,” she said. “To be able to hold a space of joy is something special.”