The tradition of the ROOTS family picnic began in the early 1970s when Arline and Letcher Yarbrough invited to dinner a group of close friends they hadn’t seen in many years. Those who attended agreed to establish more regular get togethers. Word went out to the “Old Timers,” as they called themselves, to come to a reunion at Seward Park. Over 300 people showed up, and the group was given the formal name of ROOTS (Relatives of Old Timers of Seattle), for members of the African American community who were residents prior to 1940, and their friends and relatives.

With few exceptions, the ROOTS family picnic has been held annually, bringing together an average of 1000 people from Seattle’s Black community each year. The picnic also serves as homecoming, with families who have relocated over the years coming back for the event. Attendees enjoy sharing food, listening to music, and visiting and reminiscing with old friends and family. The 2022 ROOTS picnic marked the event’s 50th anniversary.

Here, Don Alexander and Charlena Mace dance together at the 1984 ROOTS family picnic. Don Alexander was chairman of the Seattle Branch of the NAACP in 1961, and president of the Central Area Youth Association (CAYA) in the late 1960s.

Caption information source: "ROOTS family picnic," from the The Breakfast Group website, retrieved at http://www.thebreakfastgroup.org/roots-family-picnic