The 2014 Umoja Parade: Marching to Many Different Drums

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The Umoja events on Saturday always begin with a parade on Saturday morning.

The 2014 celebration was no different.

The parade began as it always does at the festival's beginnings, the Carver Recreation Center. As the various vehicles lined up, there was a fun, festive atmosphere. Many participants had not seen each other since the last parade.

Participants in the parade included the Shriners led off the group, then cars loaded with dignitaries made their way on Main Street back towards downtown Johnson City and the main Umoja stage at Fountain Square.

MARCHING BAND IN 2014 UMOJA FESTIVAL PARADE

All along the way, folks lined up to wave and grab candy thrown from some of the parade participants, sort of like the area Christmas parades. Except in this case, Santa had a distinct tan. And there were many of them. Not just one.

The elite of Johnson City's African-American community was on display during the Umoja parade. Rain the previous day, lowered the morning temperature, resulting in a huge turnout of people lining the street.

Waves were as prominent as the smiles, and each corner was packed with people.

The highlight of the parade was the African Stilt Walkers, put on my the Kuumba Waoto group from Knoxville. They dazzled the crowd simply by maintaining their balance while parading down the street.

AFRICAN STILT WALKERS AND DRUMMERS IN 2014 UMOJA PARADE

These high walkers and accompanying drummers had earlier attended the Kuumba Kamp, which includes, according to the group's website, "intensive workshops that focus on the development of performance skills, knowledge of African and African American culture, self discipline, proper nutrition and individual goal setting that are reinforced during the camp. (The) purpose is to provide a supportive environment that facilitates the development of the individual physically and emotionally."

"Kuumba Waoto" means 'creative children' in Ki-Swahili.

The stilt walkers and drummers are sponsored by African American Appalachian Arts, Inc., Kuumba Watoto Urban Youth Institute (KWUYI) of Knoxville.

Obayna Ajanaleu was once one of the young ones, learning the art of African drumming.

He now leads the group.

OBAYNA AJANAKU ON THE IMPORTANCE OF PASSING AFRICAN CUSTOMS DOWN TO YOUNG PEOPLE

The high walkers in native African dress were a crowd favorite, taking the crowd back to African times of celebration.

DRUMMERS AND STILT WALKERS ENTERTAINING THE 2014 UMOJA FESTIVAL CROWD

At the end of the parade, the crowd was treated to a native African drum chant, which drew the parade crowd into a circle around the activity. The audience were mesmerized by the artistic dancing and drumming, especially the children. Squeals of delight were heard from the younger kids, while their parents just watched in amazement.

STILT WALKERS PERFORMANCE AT END OF 2014 UMOJA FESTIVAL PARADE



The annual parade is sponsored by the Umoja Arts and Cultural, Inc.