EVERETT, JULY 22: The longest-running event celebrating African culture in Snohomish County, Nubian Jam, returns July 27 to Forest Park in Everett.
Nubian Jam is a community event that originated 32 years ago, designed to celebrate and educate the whole community about the richness of African and African American culture, Co-chair of Nubian Jam, AJ Soto said.
There are quite a lot of things to do at Nubian Jam from enjoying live music to watching the 3on3 basketball tournament. African and African American cuisine will be offered from vendors and food trucks, with opportunities to learn more about local and national Black history.
The event will begin at 10 a.m. and end at 7 p.m. on July 27, at Forest Park, 802 Mukilteo Blvd., Everett.
“This event is important, super amazing, and a testament to groups and organizations coming together to make this event happen,” Soto said, “More of the community is recognizing this long-running event and it’s great.”
There will be live performances from Black artists such as Phyllis Talley & Friends, Zhanea June & Mach X, Prince Jahmani, and more. There will also be a Bob Marley cover band, Soto said.
The idea for Nubian Jam formed when a group of friends realized they only get together for funerals. They agreed to not only come together when someone passes but to come together to celebrate community and family, according to their website.
In 1993 Ms. Marilyn Quincy, who has roots to the first Black family to settle in Everett, and other Black community members approached the Centennial Committee to be part of the historic event. That was the inception of Nubian Jam.
The Nobo people are considered one of the oldest Ethnic Groups in the world. Soto said that the Nubian people have deep roots connecting everyone’s lineage, hence the name Nubian Jam, to commemorate everyone coming together.
Nubian also means “Beautiful People.”
Each year the event recognizes Black and African American high school and GED graduates to celebrate their accomplishment. The deadline to submit Black Grad information is June 7.
Since its inception, the jam, has grown to 3,000 according to statistics from the City of Everett and Parks and Recreation. Nubian Jam is presented by the Snohomish County Black Heritage Committee.
The Nubian Jam is free and open to all, family-friendly and drug & alcohol-free.
“This is an event where you can take a deep breath, take your shoes off, and take in a place that you associative with,” Soto said.
