Thousands gathered in Oakland to celebrate 9th annual Black Joy Parade, celebration

OAKLAND, Calif. (KGO) — Thousands of people gathered in Oakland on Sunday to celebrate the 9th annual Black Joy Parade and celebration.

The parade marks the last Sunday of Black History Month and featured more than 100 contingents with thousands of marchers.

The festival ran through 7 p.m. and featured hundreds of booths highlighting Black-owned businesses, artists, and nonprofits.

RELATED: Celebrating Black Joy: Behind the scenes look at Black Joy Parade

Bryant, a Stockton resident came to support the event.

“I’m out here to show my kids community and what Black community means,” Bryant said. “It’s important is we continue to do this, I like that, I believe this is the ninth year of the event. I believe it should continue to go on.”

R&B singer Mya headlined the free event. Mya is known for hit songs like “Lady Marmalade” and “Case of the Ex”.