EVERETT — A clear, cool day drew crowds to Forest Park on Saturday as the Snohomish County Black Heritage Committee hosted the annual Nubian Jam.
Some greeted Marilyn Quincy, the heritage committee’s historian and founder. A storyteller, she spoke with passersby from inside the group’s tent.
On Saturday, while braced against the chill in a puffy jacket, she recounted a story about finding out her great grandfather — the namesake of the William P. Stewart Highway in Everett — was part of the Union army.
She also recalled being one of the original organizers of the first Nubian Jam in 1993 and is happy with what it has become.
“It’s a beautiful day for the people. It’s not too hot, it’s not too cold. You see lots of people walking around and enjoying themselves,” said Quincy, now 79.
The 31st annual Nubian Jam drew hundreds Saturday for a celebration of Black culture and is a continuation of that history. Food vendors crammed in. Artists sold their work. Music blasted through the park.
The event even included a fashion show.
“I would say we’re a trendsetter and we’ve been an example and we definitely are a staple of this community,” said DanVo’nique Reed, president of the Snohomish County Black Heritage Committee’s board. “People look forward to coming.”
The cultural cornerstone began three decades ago with a group of friends wanting to reminisce and share childhood memories. They were at a funeral, Quincy said, and started trying to figure out a way to connect on happier occasions.
“And we were thinking about when we grew up, all our families, we go to the Fourth of July Parade and we’d come up to Forest Park and have kind of a big picnic, like a potluck, and talk about what was going on and so forth,” Quincy said.
That first year, timed with Everett’s 100th anniversary, drew about 300 people, Quincy said.
It has grown so much since then, much to Quincy’s delight. On Saturday, music genres on stage included reggae, neo soul, dance, gospel rap and R&B. The featured artist was Phyllis & Friends and Medearis MD Dixson headlined.
There were plenty of activities too — a Zumba fitness class, football clinic, fashion show and an open mic contest. A number of Black-owned businesses set up shop, like Merle the Art Lady, owned by Merle Redd-Jones, who used to work for King County Superior Court and now sells historical artwork depicting Black history.
Redd-Jones has come to the last five Nubian Jams.
The jam is the oldest cultural celebration to honor and celebrate Black heritage in Snohomish County.
“One thing I’m really excited about and proud of is our longevity and our perseverance, which is part of who we are as a community and as a people,” Reed said. “We persevere through trials, tribulations, persecution, we stand firm.”
Jordan Hansen: 425-339-3046; jordan.hansen@heraldnet.com; Twitter: @jordyhansen.
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