STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Thousands of Staten Islanders came together Saturday for the 14th annual Staten Island Black Heritage Family Day, a celebration that honors the rich and diverse cultures of people of African descent and acknowledges their contributions.
The day-long event featured the People’s Parade, which kicked off just past noon at Vanderbilt Avenue and Targee Street.
Residents lined the parade route, taking pictures, while children could be seen smiling as the various marchers and floats passed by.
Onlookers waved flags representing different cultures as the procession traveled from Clifton to Stapleton.
This year, Staten Island Black Heritage honored two institutions central to Staten Island’s African American history — the Sandy Ground Historical Society and the Frederick Douglass Memorial Park Cemetery.
“Heritage Day is more than just a celebration — it’s an opportunity for our community to honor the contributions of persons of African descent to Staten Island’s history and cultural life,” said Minnie Graham, coordinator of Staten Island Black Heritage.
“We are especially proud this year to highlight the historic legacies of Sandy Ground and Frederick Douglass Memorial Park Cemetery, two landmarks that tell powerful stories about resilience, community, and dignity,” Graham added.
Assemblymember Charles D. Fall, who marched in the parade, said, “Witnessing our community unite in celebration of a Staten Island tradition has been an experience like no other. The Black Heritage Family Day Parade is more than a joyous occasion — it is a living testament to our history, one that instills in future generations the enduring values of unity, pride, and heritage.”
Following the parade, people gathered in Tappan Park in Stapleton for food, music, live entertainment, face painters, balloon makers, street games, vendors, health information, screenings, and free giveaways.
Photos from last year’s parade and festival are available here.