Photos: Black Joy Parade celebrates culture

Maya Combs, Nia Cobs, and Vera Combs pose together in front of the “Hella Seen” backdrop in the Exhale Lounge at the 2026 Black Joy Parade in Oakland.

Full of color and celebration, Oakland’s ninth Black Joy Parade is so much more than floats and politicians riding down Broadway. It’s a homecoming, cultural affirmation, vendor marketplace and more. 

Thousands lined the streets on Sunday, Feb. 22 to cheer on marchers old and new. After the parade, attendees took in food, wine, vendors, DJ sets and non-profit booths. 

As the sun set, thousands more converged on Thomas L. Berkley Way to dance and sing along with Mya well into the night.

Photos by CB Smith-Dahl

About Rasheed Shabazz 72 Articles
Rasheed Shabazz is a multimedia storyteller. He is a journalist, educator, urban planner, and historian. He is director of Oakland Voices' Community Journalism Program.

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