Whether you were in the parade, or on the sidelines, you were moving.

Eight-year-old Sanai Smith was mesmerized by the cheerleaders, and the drums.

 "I love to see them do the stuff I want to do when I grow up," said Sanai.

School marching bands from historic black colleges and universities in Maryland, Pennsylvania and New Jersey lit up the 7th annual Staten Island Black Heritage Family Day Parade.  

"They are amazing each and every band is better than the last that past," said Cherise Tannis, of Clifton, who dressed her and her 6-year-old daughter, Riley, in traditional clothing from St. Vincent.

"Finally we get a place where we can all come together, doesn't matter what skin color what religion, what race," said Ababa Jeffers, of Stapleton, who brought his mother and young children.

Councilwoman Debi Rose, who just won the Democratic primary, served as the parade's grand marshall, leading a float with other honorees.

Pan-African flags were waving among what organizers estimate to be nearly three thousand onlookers.

Ann Mitchell couldn't stop flailing hers as she danced to the music. 

"Red is for the blood we shed, black people that is for all the trials and tribulations in this country, black is for our skin color, and green is for the land," said Mitchell, who lives in New Brighton Heights.

After the parade, there was a day-long festival at Tappen Park with more music, food and community groups handing out information.

Tabitha Parker-Badmus was part of one of those community groups.  She brought several members from Moms on Patrol.  The group is looking for additional members.

"[We're here to] get the word out about Moms on Patrol specifically our organization Mothers Against Senseless Violence," said Parker-Badmus.

Dr. Phyllis Cureton, who was honored in the parade, gave out information about Samaritan Daytop Village, an outpatient treatment center.

"Just to remind people that addiction affects everybody, everyone knows someone that has a problem with alcohol or drugs," said Cureton.

Jacquelyn Smith says her late mother, Rev. Hattie Smith Davis, helped start Black Heritage Day.

She says if she were here today, she would be proud.

"Beautiful, she left a beautiful legacy," said Smith.