Overview: Hardy and Cheryl Brown, publishers emeritus of Black Voice News, have been named the grand marshals for the 47th Annual Black History Parade in San Bernardino. The couple, who co-founded Brown Publishing Company in 1980, have been instrumental in the founding of the Black Culture Foundation and have served on many committees over the years. The parade will take place on February 7, 2026, and will feature five marching bands and cheer squads from local schools. The Black History Festival will follow the parade and will be held at Arroyo High School.
Ellen Perrault
Black Voice News’ publishers emeritus Hardy and Cheryl Brown will be the grand marshals for the 2026 San Bernardino Black History Parade. Hardy Brown was the first Black school board president of the San Bernardino City Unified School District, and he and his wife published The Black Voice News. Cheryl served as an assembly member representing the 47th Assembly District
“We are pleased and excited to welcome Hardy and Cheryl Brown as the Grand Marshals of the 46th Annual Black History Parade,” said Black Cultural Foundation President Carl M. Dameron.
“The Executive Committee selected these two exemplary pillars of our community as a tribute to their decades of service. The Browns were instrumental in the founding of the Black Culture Foundation and have served on many committees over the years.”
Hardy Brown Sr. is a prominent figure in the Inland Empire’s African American community, recognized as a dedicated newspaper publisher, philanthropist, and community activist. His life journey is marked by a deep commitment to social justice, political mobilization, and the preservation of Black history.
Hardy served with the NAACP and the Inland Empire Urban League. He co-founded the Black Fathers Organization in 1966 to advocate for Black students’ integration into Cajon High School, and he helped establish the Westside Action Group (WAG) in 1972, to mobilize the community and hold politicians accountable. He also served on the San Bernardino City School Board, working to prevent the closure of Westside schools.
Cheryl Brown is a politician, publisher, and community leader who served in the California State Assembly from 2012 to 2016. A Democrat, Brown has dedicated the majority of her life to public service, earning recognition from numerous local, state, and national organizations for her work.
A lifelong entrepreneur, Brown and her husband, Hardy, founded Brown Publishing Company in 1980, which publishes the weekly community newspaper Black Voice News, focusing on local news in Riverside and San Bernardino counties. The Browns were recognized as the only living publishers included in the 175th anniversary celebration of the Black Press of America. Their daughter, Dr. Paulette Brown-Hinds, now owns and operates the newspaper.
Black History Parade Details:
Online parade registration is available here. The parade is scheduled for Saturday, February 7, beginning at 9:00 am at Graciano Gomez Elementary School, it will travel up Baseline Avenue and Mt. Vernon to California Street. The parade will end at Arroyo Valley High School. Parade check-in time is 7:00 am at Arroyo Valley High School.
“The Black History Parade, a cherished tradition since 1968, uplifts the community with its vibrant energy and cultural importance.
Parade coordinator Russell Ward said, “Five marching bands are set to perform. The Cardinal Marching Band from San Bernardino High School will lead the parade. The marching bands from San Gorgonio High School, Indian Springs High School, and Arroyo Valley High School will end the parade and lead everyone to Arrowhead Vista High School for the festival.
“Cheer squads from Arrowview Middle School, Chavez Middle School, Curtis Middle School, Del Vallejo Middle School, Emmerton Elementary School, Fairfax Elementary School, Indian Springs High School, King Middle School, Lytle Creek Elementary School, Marshall Elementary School, Paakumá Elementary, Rio Vista Elementary School, San Gorgonio High School and Urbita Elementary School will perform, along with Steppers from Fairfax Elementary and Cajon High,” added Ward.
Black History Festival Details
The Black History Festival is also scheduled for Saturday, February 7, from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. It will start immediately following the parade. The festival will be held at Arroyo High School, 1881 W. Base Line St., San Bernardino. For additional information contact Vickie Davis at blackontheblock.missd@gmail.com.
The Black Culture Foundation works “to foster an interest and a greater understanding of Black culture; to heighten community awareness of the accomplishments of Black people, past and present; to plan, coordinate and direct an annual Black History Month parade and related cultural activities; and bridge the gaps across cultural lines by bringing the local community together to celebrate this event in unity.”For more information about the Black Culture Foundation, visit SBBCFoundation.org.