(Black PR Wire) Oakland, CA - The Black Joy Parade presented by Black Infant Health, will return to downtown Oakland February 25, 2024, for its 7th annual event.

With over 20,000 people annually The Black Joy Parade is the largest free, family-friendly event of its kind in California that celebrates the Black experience and the Black community's contribution to culture. Beyond pure positivity and celebration, guests of all backgrounds can expect to experience an authentic, unapologetically Black atmosphere.

The signature parade includes over 100 contingents ranging from classic car clubs and dance troupes, to sponsored floats, with some hoping to win Best in Flow for bringing the most joy and energy to the streets. Beginning at 11:30am attendees can enjoy 2 performance stages with local and Grammy award winning artists, a kids zone, skating rink, plus 100+ local Black vendors offering handmade goods, delicious food, cultural services and more.

Black joy is more than a celebration, it’s an economic force, creating opportunity for Black artists, entrepreneurs and the city they call home.

According to Black Joy Parade’s post event surveys, the annual Black Joy Parade:

• Drives over $100k in incremental revenue for Black-owned restaurant partners throughout the weekend.
• Over the last 6 years, over half of the small businesses who vended at The Black Joy Parade earned more revenue at the event compared to at general market events.

Black Joy Parade is committed to financially compensating every performing artist on their stages, no matter what their level of experience, adding up to over half a million dollars going directly to Black performing artists and organizations.

This year’s Black Joy Parade theme, “RedefinitionofaHustler”celebrates the creative, multi-talented and resourceful members of our community who continue to drive our Black culture and community forward. This includes those producing, participating and partnering to ensure the impact of Black joy can be experienced by all.

“The Black Joy Parade has become one of the most fun and fulfilling moments of the year. But since day one, it’s always been so much more than just a parade or party,” said Elisha Greenwell, Black Joy Parade founder and proud Oakland resident. “Black Joy Parade is an economic instigator, providing space for us to do what we do best. I’m proud to create an ecosystem where we can share, sell and support each other. Nothing brings joy like being recognized and rewarded for your contributions to the community.”

For information about the Black Joy Parade including volunteer and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.blackjoyparade.org or follow @BlackJoyParade on Instagram or Facebook.

About Black Joy Parade

Black Joy Parade is a hyper-positive non-profit based in Oakland, CA that celebrates the Black experience and community's contribution to history and culture with its signature parade and celebration, partnerships and events. Its mission is to provide the Black community and allies a live experience that celebrates our influence on cultures past, present and future. We will unite a diverse community by creating a space to express each of our unique contributions to the Black experience.

The 7th Annual Black Joy Parade is supported by: Black Infant Health, Brown Forman, Bartable, Comcast, City of Oakland and Visit Oakland.

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Source: Black Joy Parade