By The Oakland Post
“It’s a family affair”–as crooned by Sly & The Family Stone–and it’s happening in Sly’s hometown, Vallejo, CA.
The 1st Annual Black Family Celebration will take place on Saturday, Aug. 31, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Dan Foley Park, 1461 North Camino Alto, Vallejo, near the shoreline.
“This event is designed to bring families together for a day of sun-filled fun and tranquility,” said Norman Mitchell, organizer of the event. “Our goal is to make this event a day of unity for residents of Vallejo and for visitors from all throughout Northern California.”
Mitchell’s organization, “IT’S WE, NOT ME,” surveyed and observed similar events in other cities throughout the Bay Area and concluded that Vallejo would benefit greatly by bringing people together to enjoy each other, relax and simply have a good time in a safe and secure setting.
The idea behind the celebration “is to build unity in our community,” noted Mitchell. “There are people from all walks of life who operate on different aspects in their daily activities and are in their own zone. The Black Family Day hopes to unify those people for one day in a setting where everyone is on the same page, enjoying themselves with family and friends.”
One key area at the event, “Our Future,” will feature Vallejo City Councilmember Hakeem Brown, who will share information about the importance of working together and staying together, to build strength and positivity to Black families for years to come in the city of Vallejo.
“It’s all about building unity through socializing, networking and getting involved,” said Mitchell.
The celebration will offer food booths, and a variety of other vendors will be on hand offering cultural and heritage products for sale. No alcohol will be available at the event.
Event staff is expecting 1,000 to 3,000 people to visit the park over the course of the day. Security personnel will be present to ensure safety.
Organizers are requesting donations for the event, as well as volunteers. Donations can be made via www.gofundme.com/black-family-day. Volunteers can register at itsblackfamilyday@gmail.com.
The event is free and open to the public.
This article originally appeared in Oakland Post.
