Families gathered downtown Saturday for Patterson’s first Black History and Heritage Day, which was filled with the sound of praise bands, the smell of barbecue and the sight of people gathering to share the history and roots of African heritage.

Patterson resident Chichi Jack planned the day, while a number of volunteers set up venues downtown between North and South parks on Las Palmas Avenue. Activities included singing, dancing, poetry reading and a fashion show. Later on, festivalgoers moved to the Hammon Senior Center, where dinner was served.

“Today is not for me — today is for you,” Jack told the crowd. “Today is for our children.”

The Rev. Michael East of Agape Baptist Church also spoke to a crowd of about 150 people of all ethnicities and faiths.

“This is a trail-blazing, foreseeing community that has embraced us with open arms,” East said.

The spiritual dance group True Worshippers performed a dance to the song “Encourage Yourself” by Donald Lawrence. Gagetta Ruffin, the group’s dance coordinator and choreographer, said the group was formed two years ago.

“I know Chichi Jack, and she called me and asked if we would do a dance,” Ruffin said.

“We practiced for two hours once a week.”

Charlyne Parker of Patterson was glad to celebrate the day.

“It’s really uplifting,” Parker said. “I was surprised to see there’s so much entertainment, and the sound system is great. We celebrate the history, culture and roots and give God the glory for getting us this far and for moving us forward.”

A string of booths lined West Las Palmas Avenue, among them one called Helping Our Westside, which offered a fishing game and prizes for children. Other booths were set up by Costco, Westside Democrats and various jewelry and pottery makers.

Ramona East of Agape Baptist Church said organizers did a wonderful job on the event. “It’s a beautiful thing to have families coming together in our community,” East said.

Local resident Donna Miller walked along Las Palmas Avenue to visit the booths.

“I like the music,” Miller said. “We don’t have enough music in Patterson.”

Mary Jacks, who owns Mary’s Snip, Swirl and Curls Beauty Salon on Ossie St., offered handmade jewelry made by her husband, Preston Jacks. She also had praise for the celebration and hope for its future.

“This is a nice event — really nice,” she said. “I’m looking forward to it being a bigger event next year.”

Meanwhile, Jack, the day’s organizer, said things went well.

“We’re fortunate to have wonderful weather,” she said. “People are here, and the kids are really, really excited to perform and deliver what they promised. It’s been a blessing, and we’re happy to have all of our visitors from Oakland, Modesto, Stockton, Tracy and, of course, our hometown Patterson.”