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.
This photo shows Homer Harris, left, and Richard Yarbrough at the 1989 ROOTS family picnic. Richard Yarbrough was probably the younger brother of Letcher Yarbrough, co-founder of the ROOTS family picnic.
Homer Harris (1916-2007) grew up in Seattle, attending Stevens Elementary and Garfield High School, where he became the first Black captain of the football team in 1933. Harris attended University of Iowa on a football scholarship, and became the first Black player to captain a Big Ten team. Barred from playing professional football due to racist NFL policies, he later attended medical school. He returned to Seattle in 1955 to open his dermatology practice, where he served patients until his retirement in 2000. Homer Harris Park, at 24th Avenue E and E Howell Street is Seattle, was dedicated in his honor in 2005.
Caption information source: "ROOTS family picnic," from the The Breakfast Group website, retrieved at http://www.thebreakfastgroup.org/roots-family-picnic Caption information source: Harris, Dr. Homer E. Jr. (1916-2007) by Mary T. Henry, HistoryLink.org Essay 4222
