The 5th Annual Black Heritage Day was held on the north shore on Saturday.
Along with a ceremony and parade down Vanderbuilt Avenue, attendees also enjoyed a family festival at Tappen Park.
Organizers say the goal is to acknowledge the diverse cultures that originated from Africa, and how they've made an impact on the borough.
"I wanted to come for my kids to understand what their culture is about," one resident stated.
"The reason we want to celebrate African American history is so that people don't forget all the contributions, all of the trials the triumphs the heartaches the pain and yet the glory of the African-American community," said Kathryn Barrett-Layne, Organizer of Staten Island Black Heritage Day.
The event also featured some celebrity guests including former NBA player Steve Burtt Sr. and more.
To learn more you can visit SIBlackHeritageDay.com.