Members of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. perform Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024, at the 44th annual Black History Parade in downtown Riverside. (Photo by Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer)
After days of dreary, rainy weather, the Riverside Black History Parade brightened spirits Saturday morning, Feb. 10.
For the 44th time, the parade trumpeted the achievements of Black residents and their rich history in the Riverside area as it moved from Riverside City College down Market Street into downtown.
The Recreational Arts Program Dance Team performs Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024, during the 44th annual Black History Parade in downtown Riverside. (Photo by Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer)
Moreno Valley’s Valley View High School participates Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024, in the 44th annual Black History Parade in Riverside. (Photo by Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer)
The Green family enjoys the 44th annual Black History Parade in Riverside on Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024. (Photo by Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer)
Paradegoers watch the 44th annual Black History Parade in downtown Riverside on Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024. (Photo by Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer)
Members of the Southeastern Pathfinders perform Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024, during the 44th annual Black History Parade in downtown Riverside. (Photo by Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer)
Assemblymember Sabrina Cervantes, D-Riverside, waves to the crowd Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024, during the 44th annual Black History Parade in downtown Riverside. (Photo by Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer)
The Jr. ROTC from Riverside’s Poly High School participates Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024, in the 44th annual Black History Parade in downtown Riverside. (Photo by Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer)
Angelo Caw, 2, enjoys the 44th annual Black History Parade in downtown Riverside on Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024. (Photo by Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer)
Paradegoers watch the Recreational Arts Program Dance Team perform in front of the Riverside Historic Courthouse on Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024, during the 44th annual Black History Parade. (Photo by Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer)
Camila Salgado, 7, watches the 44th annual Black History Parade in front of the Riverside Historic Courthouse on Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024. (Photo by Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer)
The cheer squad from Riverside’s Ramona High School performs Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024, during the 44th annual Black History Parade in downtown Riverside. (Photo by Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer)
Hezekiah Jones, 3, reacts Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024, as he watches the 44th annual Black History Parade in downtown Riverside. (Photo by Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer)
Members of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. perform Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024, at the 44th annual Black History Parade in downtown Riverside. (Photo by Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer)
The parade, organized by the Adrian Dell & Carmen Roberts Foundation, had a theme of “A Legacy of Giving.”
The parade’s grand marshal was Sam Knight, a former Jurupa school board member whose sons excelled on Rubidoux High School football teams in years past.
“Knight’s dedication to education, youth counseling and community service has made a profound impact in the lives of many, making him a true pillar of the Riverside community,” a foundation news release states.
The parade featured floats, marching bands and community organizations. After its conclusion, the Black History Expo took place downtown and offered entertainment, food and vendors.
