Editor’s Note: This article was written for Mosaic, an independent journalism training program for high school students who report and photograph stories under the guidance of professional journalists.
The sound of African drumming filled the heart of downtown San Jose for Black Family Day, a festival celebrating cultural heritage with performances, vendors and free food.
The February event at Parque de Los Pobladores at First and Market streets carried special significance as the Trump administration seeks to end federal funding for diversity, equity and inclusion programs and punish institutions that include them.
“I feel the heat of marginalization,” said Chike Nwoffiah, co-organizer of Black Family Day. “There is a clear danger that is lurking.”
Nwoffiah, a Nigerian immigrant who was wearing traditional attire, wants the black community to feel celebrated at a time when people may need it the most. Admission and food were free, a gift to the community. “It’s just a big family barbecue,” Nwoffiah said.
The event resonated with community members who turned out in support. “I’ve encountered people at the grocery store, scared, and looking for community,” attendee Nadia Anderson said. “In this political climate, it’s important for people to have a space where they don’t feel threatened.”
Regina Celestin Williams came because she wanted to expose her children to their heritage. “Black culture is so important as we raise our children in San Jose,” said Williams, as drums sounded in the center of the park. “It feels good to be reminded of who we are.”
Parent John Baker’s two small children danced beside him to the drums, their favorite part of the festival. “For our kids, we want to show them that it’s all about family,” Baker said.
The Feb. 22 festival showcased music and dance, vendors selling native crafts, and resources for families. Groups like Oriki Arts performed west African dances with elaborate arm movements. The performance electrified audience members, who jumped up to join the dancing.
After performing together for 15 years, the group never tires of sharing their culture with others, members said. “Dance is our safe haven,” dancer Fhaquil Oriki said. “It’s an art form that structures my life.”
After the performance, dancer Bis-millah Oriki was emotional. “We don’t have a lot of spaces to call our own,” she said, wiping her tearing eyes. “Black Family Day is a safe place where we can be one big happy family.”
Two Nigerian students studying at Santa Clara University excitedly looked through booths displaying traditional jewelry and offering classes on Black history.
Black Family Day helped both students feel closer to home. “I haven’t seen my dad in over a year. Events like this help when I’m missing my family,” said 20-year-old Victory Chia-Okafu.
Her friend Shay Egboku,19, said, “To know that there’s a good community helps cope with being homesick.”
Instructor Aaron Eckels said he has been teaching free Black history classes for over 11 years. “Kids should know about their history, but they need educators that look like them,” Eckels said.
His students surrounded the booth, eager to speak about what they’ve learned about their history of oppression. “We get treated poorly but it’s important to treat everyone equally,” said Leon Jones, an elementary school student.
At another booth displaying leather fans from Ghana and mud cloth from Mali, vendor Nicole Williams said she works with small African crafts people and sells their wares here.
She said the festival is more than a market for her products. “Black Family Day is a reminder that we’re still here, taking pride in who we are despite what is being taken from us,” Williams said. “It’s the spirit of the black community to be resilient.”
Iris Sanchez is a freshman at San Jose State University.