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 will mark the event’s 50th anniversary.

Here, a group, most wearing caps identifying them as "officials," pose with large sign welcoming people to the "ROOTS Reunion 1984." The man on the bicycle at far left has been identified as Melvin Winston, and to his left, in red jacket, is Sylvia Gayton (Wesley).

Sylvia Gayton Wesley (1929-2022) graduated from Garfield High School and attended the University of Washington. She graduated from Seattle University with a degree in Education and certification to teach children with learning disabilities. Sylvia taught high school special education in Seattle Public School for most of her career, and continued to work for the SPS system training special needs students for employment until her retirement in 1997. She was a member of several civic organizations, including The Links, Jack and Jill of America, the Black Heritage Society, and Washington Alliance of Black School Educators.

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