For Black People, style is a statement, way of life and language.

During Goombay this year, rather than focusing on the performances on stage or the festivities themselves, I was interested in the performances happening throughout the crowd with festivalgoers street style; their choice of clothes, jewelry, hair, makeup, flags, gestures and colors.

Family, friends, neighbors, and newcomers occupy the same street, transforming the two block strip of Grand Avenue into a stage for both individual expression and a communal performance. Goombay creates a temporary space where family, friends, neighbors, and visitors come together in a shared celebration. People arrive knowing they will be seen by people they admire, respect or even envy.

As I photographed throughout the festival, I thought of style as a form of participation; carefully selected outfits, fresh haircuts, gold jewelry, national colors, or family-coordinated looks are more than just aesthetic choices. They’re expressions of pride, belonging, memory, confidence, and individuality.