To unify African-Americans in the community, over two thousand Bakersfield residents gathered downtown from 21st and L streets to 21st and R Street Feb. 24 to support the Black History Month Parade.
Gloria Patterson, 51, organized the parade, which had about 200 people involved
Every year, this parade has been the last week of February. Don Williams, 38, was part of the event riding his motorcycle with his group called Ruff Riders Lifestyle. “Me, personally, it brings everybody together to have a great time,” Williams said.
Pastor Janice Newsome, 47, and Bernice Young, 55, were present at the parade. They are part of God’s Chosen Disciples, which is a church group which deals with ex-gang members, prostitutes, pimps, and drug addicts.
The youth department from the church was in the event with children wearing camouflage shirts, brown pants, and military boots.
This group has been in the event for two previous years. “Giving something kids to do, make them find something constructive not disruptive.it gives them hope and does not let anybody down,” said Young.
At 10:16 a.m., four girls holding a sign saying “Black American History Parade” began leading the parade going east on 21st toward Central Park. Around 45 different groups were within the parade.
Among these 45 groups, were The Democratic Women of Kern, Latin World Low-rider, Hot 94.1, Urban-Hi Steppers and Bakersfield Ruff Riders Lifestyle. There were also break dancers giving performances. Irma Carson, the city councilmember for Ward 1, attended as well.
At the halfway point, judges were standing by watching all performances; the winners received trophies for their performance. The announcements were given at Central Park.
Charlesetta Ortiz, 42, has been watching this event since she was 10 years old, and she said, “The parade was excellent, though, what people could improve by not crowding around the performers (in the judges’ area) so others can see.”
According to Patterson, over 2,700 people were watching the parade and most made their way to Central Park at 12:30 p.m. People had a chance to listen to church music and have some food, such as tea cakes.
There were a couple of other places where people went to hang out after the parade, such as Martin Luther King Park, Wilson Park and The Dome. At The Dome, there was a presentation of African Art History which lasted a little over an hour.
Over the last 30 years, the parade has been hosted in different areas, such as California Avenue, Chester Avenue and Truxtun Avenue.
Janelle Bailey, 22, current BC student, has been watching the event for five years. “It’s nice to see what the community has to offer,” she said.