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 Sam Smith sitting at table with two unidentified women at the 1991 ROOTS picnic. Sam Smith (1922-1995) was the first Black person to be elected to the Seattle City Council in 1968 and was on the Council until 1991, chairing many committees and serving as Council President from 1974-1979 and 1986-1989. Smith also served in the Washington State Legislature for five terms, beginning with his election from the 37th district in 1958. Smith was stationed in Seattle during WWII, and returned to earn his bachelor's degree in Economics at the University of Washington. Smith also worked at Boeing for almost 17 years, before entering politics. In 1998, a city park on Martin Luther King Way was named in his honor.

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