Motorcycle clubs, high schools, car show clubs and even a church were a few of the entries in this year’s Black History Parade beginning on 21st and R Streets. There were crowds up and down 21st Street with video recorders and camera phones trying to take pictures of the multiple entries displaying logos and playing music from the speakers of their vehicles.

A few of the car clubs riding in the parade’s line up were Hoodlum’s Bakersfield Car Club, Latino World Car Club, Byon Limits Bakersfield and Buffalo South California Soldiers.

The motorcyclists were revving engines and popping wheelies in circles around other club members and even some of the horses.

“There were a lot of entries, but my favorite was the Ruff Ryders even though the reason I came was to see my church Rising Star perform,” said Byron Gardner, 22.

The Bakersfield Police Department was on the scene to ensure everything was proceeding as planned as well as Hall Ambulance, to ensure the safety of both participants and viewers.

The Martin Luther Children’s Dancers and God’s Children High School were performers in the parade to dance for the crowd. New entries to the festivities were the California African American Firefighters and the United States Air Force.

Gloria Patterson, Black American History Parade organizer, said this is her fourth year as the parade’s organizer. It has been running for 15 years and has 50 entries this year, 15 more than last.

“There were a lot of people, and it was great to have our new clubs and groups, but not excluding all the usual clubs and organizations.” Patterson said.

The Black Chamber of Commerce had an entry in the parade as did the NAACP. The NAACP was also a sponsor of the event.The parade only lasted an hour before the participants finished their routines and disbanded to attend the Heritage recruiting meeting put on by the NAACP.