Breanna Reeves
Dozens of San Bernardino residents and community members littered Baseline Street in San Bernardino as they anticipated the start of the 46th Annual San Bernardino Black History Parade on Feb. 1.
After a long hiatus, the annual parade returned, kicking off Black History Month by showcasing different Black-led and Black-serving community organizations, dozens of local schools and San Bernardino culture.
Ora Lee Harris stood along Baseline Street, excitedly cheering on participants in the parade and thanking community leaders for bringing the parade back to San Bernardino. Harris came down from Las Vegas, but was “born and bred” in San Bernardino.
“Thank you for coming!” Harris shouted to parade participants as she stood next to her sister, Debbie Davis and Davis’s daughter, Lekeba Riley.
The parade started at Graciano Gomez Elementary and concluded at Arroyo Valley High School, where the festival portion of the event kicked off. This year’s theme, “Black History is Alive!” set out to remind local community members that they need to celebrate their culture and their own community, according to Vickie Davis, one of the event organizers. Dozens of vendors were set up in the parking lot of Arroyo Valley High School, including event partners such as the San Bernardino Police Department, the school district and local vendors.
“It’s really the spirit of what it means to be a community and encourage and empower one another,” said Davis. “By what we’re doing here today, we’re creating history. Saying that it is alive is also inspiring hope in those who are wondering, ‘What is their purpose? How will they contribute?’”
Black Voice News captured the annual parade through a series of photos:
