46th Annual Black History Parade & Festival: A Fun Time for All
The San Bernardino High School Cardinals Marching Band
From left to right: Inland Empire NCNW President Amy Malone, Black Rose Winner Chuck Singleton, John Salley’s daughter, and Grand Marshal NBA basketball legend John Salley, riding on the float designed and built by James Baker.
San Bernardino, CA— NBA All-Star and Hall of Famer John Salley was the Grand Marshal of the 46th Annual San Bernardino Black History Parade and Festival on Saturday, February 1. making a memorable appearance alongside this year’s Black Rose Award winners.
“It was an honor to participate in the San Bernardino Black History Month Parade. Whenever I can celebrate the lives and accomplishments of Black individuals, I do so with pride. This parade allows me to honor past visionaries and those actively advocating for our rights today,” said Salley.
The San Bernardino City Police Department proudly led the annual parade with its dedicated motorcycle officers, showcasing their commitment to community engagement and public service.
The San Bernardino Police Department’s first Black Police Chief, Darren Goodman, led the parade with Captain Nelson Carrington.
The Department’s esteemed Mounted Unit joined the procession, adding a unique touch to the event. Police Chief Darren Goodman participated by driving a striking convertible Corvette, symbolizing leadership and community spirit. Captain Nelson Carrington also contributed to the festive atmosphere by cruising in a convertible Corvette.
The parade celebrated our community, emphasizing safety, unity, and the invaluable service provided by our police officers.
Parade coordinator Russel Ward noted, “Five marching bands performed during the event. The Cardinal Marching Band from San Bernardino High School led the parade, followed by San Gorgonio High School, Indian Springs High School, and Arroyo Valley High School marching bands, who concluded the parade and directed everyone to Arrow Vistas High School for the festival.”
Parade coordinator Russel Ward
Last year’s Black Rose Award winner, James Baker, designed an exceptional float. The float featured Grand Marshal Salley and his daughter, alongside Black Rose Award winners: Dr. Shene Bowie, Dr. Teri Davis, Elizabeth Cochrane-Benoit, Dr. Arlington Rodgers Jr., Mr. and Mrs. Charles “Chuck” Singleton, Richard Wallace, Lawrence Hardy, and Deborah Franklin.
San Bernardino Mayor Helen Tran helped make the parade a reality.
The parade featured over 85 entries, including Mayor Helen Tran, San Bernardino County Fifth District Supervisor Joe Baca Jr., San Bernardino City Councilmembers at Flores, Treasure Ortiz, the Inland Empire NCNW, and the Charlie Sampson Rodeo.
The San Bernardino City School Board members joined the parade. Danny Tillman, Felicia Alexander, and Mary Ellen A. Grande were riding in classic convertibles. School Superintendent Mauricio Arellano and cabinet members—Dr. Sandra Rodriguez, Joseph Paulino, Dr. Marcus Funchess, Ana M. Applegate, and Terry Comnick—were also in the parade.
Black Culture Foundation president Carl M. Dameron and his daughter Shaila Carly.
Black Culture Foundation President Carl M. Dameron, who was in the parade with his daughter Shaila, remarked, “A good time was had by all. Seeing so many people out was fun, and I look forward to an even bigger parade next year.”
The event featured 40 entries from the San Bernardino City Unified School District, the main parade sponsor. The district provided venues such as Gomez Elementary and Royal High School and encouraged its various schools to celebrate Black History Month.
Additional parade sponsors included the City of San Bernardino and Dameron Communications.
“This was a truly multicultural event with diverse ethnicities represented, celebrating that Black History is alive!” said Dameron.
Watch a video of the Parade at:
Slide Show
Next year‘s parade is scheduled for Saturday, February 7, starting at 9 AM. It will follow the same route along Baseline from Mount Vernon to California Street, with the festival immediately following from 11 AM to 3 PM.
About the Black Culture Foundation
The Black Culture Foundation’s mission is to foster an interest in and greater understanding of Black culture, heighten community awareness of Black individuals’ accomplishments, and organize an annual Black History Month parade and related cultural activities to bridge cultural gaps and encourage unity within the local community.
For more information about the Black Culture Foundation, visit SBBCFoundation.org.