Orange County celebrates Black history, pride, culture
Faith Clue, 4, left, and Evelyn Holden, 2, hold Pan-African flags as they get their picture taken during the 44th annual Orange County Black History Parade & Unity Festival in Anaheim on Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
The decades-old tradition in Orange County included a lively parade and free unity festival, featuring dignitaries, entertainment, fraternity steppers, double Duch squads, family activities, over 100 vendor booths and more. The event was organized by the Orange County Heritage Council, which moved from Santa Ana to Anaheim 12 years ago.
Radio legend Big Boy was the parade Grand Marshal, honored for his remarkable 30-year career in radio. Actor and comedian Slink Johnson hosted the event, which also included a cultural stage hosting speakers and discussions on Black history and art.
Thelma Davis Martin, and original 1970s Soul Train TV show dancer, mingles with parade-goers during the 44th annual Orange County Black History Parade in Anaheim on Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Liiannah Davis, 3, dances along the Orange County Black History Parade route with the Royale Heat dance team in Anaheim on Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Students in the Anaheim Elementary School District fill the street with music during the 44th annual Orange County Black History Parade in Anaheim on Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
A shiny red Corvette cruises down Anaheim Boulevard during the 44th annual Orange County Black History Parade in Anaheim on Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Colorful Corvettes cruises down Anaheim Boulevard during the 44th annual Orange County Black History Parade in Anaheim on Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Project S.A.Y ballet folklorico members take part in the 44th annual Orange County Black History Parade in Anaheim on ..Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Horseback riders two-step along the 44th annual Orange County Black History Parade route in Anaheim on..Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Royale Heat dancers take part in the 44th annual Orange County Black History Parade in Anaheim on Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
A shiny red Corvette cruises down Anaheim Boulevard during the 44th annual Orange County Black History Parade in Anaheim on Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Roller skaters with BLB Insurance sail smoothly down the street during the Orange County Black History Parade ..in Anaheim on Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Anaheim Mounted Police officers take part in the 44th annual Orange County Black History Parade in Anaheim on..Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Ariahna Jackson, and her 2-year-old son, Romeo, walk with Westmont Elementart School students during the 44th annual Orange County Black History Parade in Anaheim on Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Faith Clue, 4, left, and Evelyn Holden, 2, hold Pan-African flags as they get their picture taken during the 44th annual Orange County Black History Parade & Unity Festival in Anaheim on Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Miguel A. Nunez Jr., an actor and producer from New York takes part in the Orange County Black History Parade in Anaheim on Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
OC Learning Black History instructor, Bea Jones, takes part in the 44th annual Orange County Black History Parade in Anaheim on Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
The Grand Marshal of the 44th annual Orange County Black History Parade, Kurt xe2x80x9cBig Boyxe2x80x9d Alexander, a nationally syndicated radio host and actor, waves to fans during the 44th annual Orange County Black History Parade in Anaheim on Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Horseback riders take part in the 44th annual Orange County Black History Parade route in Anaheim on..Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Faith Clue, 4, left, and Evelyn Holden, 2, hold Pan-African flags as they watch the 44th annual Orange County Black History Parade in Anaheim on Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Organizers said Saturday was a joyful celebration “of African American culture and achievements.” The Black History Parade & Unity Festival serves as a platform to “highlight the contributions of individuals who have made a significant impact in their respective fields.”
