African life, culture and pride were celebrated Saturday at Jersey City’s annual African-American Cultural Arts Festival, but the all-encompassing theme among those attending was unity within community.

“The more that this happens the better because it brings people together,” said Oak Street resident Denise May, 55, who attended the festival held at Martin Luther King Plaza (HUB) with her 9-year-old granddaughter Raquel.

May said she “appreciates and enjoys” what the music, arts and African garb that decorate this lively festival teach her granddaughter, but like many others she emphasized that a positive get together is something this neighborhood needs after a summer plagued with gun violence.

“That’s why we’re here today, to bring people together,” said Jersey City Ward F Councilwoman Diane Coleman. “Today’s pleasure, next week we’ll talk about building up this community.”

The plaza’s parking lot is typically congested with shopping carts and cars but instead earlier it was filled with a large crowd that browsed through the roughly 80 food vendors, nonprofit organizations, and informational tables.

Former Gov. Jim McGreevey, the city’s new jobs commissioner, was among the local officials in attendance.

A makeshift stage was the focus of attention as local gospel group Zealous performed followed by the Velazquez Family Singers, a R&B and pop music group. For the festival’s opening African Drums performance, a stilt walker roamed the lot.

“We’re getting nothing but good vibes from the people,” said festival chairperson and cultural organizer Daoud-David Williams, who was scheduled to perform with the jazz group Spirit of Life Ensemble around 5 p.m.

For children there were arts and crafts, face painting, a magic act, and even a crayon and coloring supply giveaway by Jersey City police officers.

“This is one of the positive things about the community,” said Williams. “We’re looking for activities like this to overshadow the negative things that get attention.”