The Black Joy Parade is a hyper-positive, family-friendly turn up that celebrates the Black experience and our community's contribution to cultures past, present and future. We invite you to come be present, be creative, be open and be free.
The parade will begin on February 24, 2019, at the corner of 14th St. and Harrison St., Oakland, CA, at 12:30 PM. It will finish at the corner of Broadway and 20th St., and we will be celebrating in the four blocks between there and the corner of 22nd St. and Webster St.
Parade Map
The parade will begin at the corner of 14th St. and Harrison St., Oakland, CA, at 12:30 PM. It will finish at the corner of Broadway and 20th St., and we will be celebrating in the four blocks between there and the corner of 22nd St. and Webster St.
Beyond the need to travel 8 blocks, there is no limit to what you can create! We encourage participants to bring their unique flavor of Black Joy from floats and marching bands, to costumes, dance, art and more. Be creative. Be positive. Be energetic and free!
Festival
Following the Black Joy Parade there will be a celebration featuring Black art, crafts, food and wine vendors, as well as non-profits, community services and two stages of performances for the community to enjoy. While we highly encourage Black-owned and affiliated organization to participate, Black Joy Parade is an inclusive event and we welcome anyone who wants to help celebrate and contribute to the Black experience.
Performances
The Black Joy Parade gives local artists and performers the stage and platform to perform and entertain with their craft. Past performances have included poetry and spoken word, musical acts and dancers.
Awards
The Black Joy Parade "Best of Flow” award was developed to reward individuals, groups, and local organizations for bringing all their Black Joy to the streets to share and inspire others to find their joy.
A total of $10,000 will be divided equally among the winners of four categories:
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Best Choreography: Includes things like dance routines, step shows, and creative struts.
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Best Outfit: Includes costumes, props, makeup, etc. Be bold and dress to impress!
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Best Ride: Includes things like cars, bikes, motorcycles, and floats. Basically, anything with wheels!
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Best Overall: Awarded to the individual, group, or organization that brings the most overall creativity and joy to the Black Joy Parade procession. The winner of this award does not have to qualify for any of the other 3 categories.
Special Events
Oakland Cocktail Week and The Oakland Bar Community
Visit any of the participating bars from 2/16 -2/24 and $1 of every specialty cocktail featuring Hennessy will be donated to The Black Joy Parade.
Starline Social Club
"The Blacker The Berry" (Hennessy / Sorrel / Fresh Lemon Juice / Splash of simple syrup)
alaMar
"Town Bidness" (Hennessy VSOP / Kin Bourbon / Honey Syrup / Black Lemon Bitters)
Era Art Bar & Lounge
"The D'Artagnan Romances" (Hennessy / Apple Syrup / Lemon / Creole Bitters / Candied Apple Slice)
Kingston 11
"Kingston Side Car" (Hennessy / Sorrel / Fresh Lemon Juice / Splash of simple syrup)
The Miranda
"Queen of Soul" (Hennessey / Averna / St. George Spiced Pear / Chocolate Bitters)
Fort Green
"Henny Pineapple Lemonade" (Hennessey / Pineapple Juice / Pineapple Liqueur / Lemon Juice / Simple Syrup / Soda Water)
Drexl
"Parades Go By" (Hennessey Black / Cointreau / Coffee Liqueur / Crème de Noyaux / Cardamom Bitters)
Farmhouse Kitchen
"The Black Cat" (Hennessy Black / Lemon Juice / Lotus Syrup / Zinfandel Red Wine / Served Up with Chili Salt Rims and Rose Tea garnish)
"Saengsawang" (Hennessy VSOP / Absinthe / Lemongrass Syrup / Peychaud's Bitter / Served on Rocks with lemon peel garnish)
Club BNB
"Joy 75" (A creative take on the French 75)
Hotels
We’ve partnered with the following hotels to offer you exclusive discounts on accommodations.
Marriott
City Center
$149 USD/Night
02/22/19 - 02/24/19
Last day to book: 02/01/19
Waterfront
Hotel
$169 USD/Night
02/23/19 - 02/25/19
Last day to book: 02/23/19
