Westside Story Newspaper – Online The News of The Empire – Sharing the Quest for Excellence
RIVERSIDE, CA- The Riverside Black History Parade and Expo has been a popular annual tradition for 39 years. This cultural event, held annually on the 2nd Saturday of February, will take place Saturday, February 10, 2018 at 10 a.m. in downtown Riverside. This year’s theme, “It Takes Village — Celebrating Community Leadership”, salutes local community heroes.
This year the committee is excited to announce the newest edition to this year’s festivities. Special celebrity guest appearance by internationally-acclaimed Hip Hop entertainer, “Tommy the Clown“. Tommy the Clown has become a world-renown entertaining sensation and innovator of a dance style known as “Clowning” and “Krumping,” which has become a worldwide phenomenon.
Tommy the Clown and his dance entourage have traveled all over the world including London, Japan, Germany and Hong Kong. He has also performed for the likes of Madonna, Pamela Anderson and Cedric the Entertainer to name a few. In 2005, Tommy the Clown landed a starring role in Lions Gate Films release of ‘RIZE’, directed by David LaChapelle.
The Riverside Black History Parade & Expo is also proud to have Dr. Judy White, Riverside County Superintendent of Schools as this year’s Grand Marshall. Dr. White has worked as a classified educator, teacher, principal, assistant superintendent, deputy superintendent in San Bernardino City Schools and Superintendent of Moreno Valley Unified School District. The community affectionally refers to her as a “history maker and stereotype breaker” because of the numerous recognitions and accomplishments she has made. Some of these include: Moreno Valley 2014 Citizen of the Year, Riverside Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, 2016 Community Member of the Year, NAACP 2015 Educator of the Year and many more. She is the current ACSA Region 19 Superintendent of the Year and CAAASA 2017 Superintendent of the Year.
The 39th Annual Riverside Black History Parade & Expo creates a sense of cohesiveness within the community, bringing people together from all walks of life and various cultural backgrounds to celebrate with pride Black History through food, music and fun-filled family activities, attracting thousands of attendees annually.
The parade route begins at Riverside City College at the corner of Terracin and Magnolia Avenue, ending on Main Street in front of the Riverside County Courthouse in downtown Riverside. The procession will include government and city officials, local high school drill teams, vintage cars and various other parade vehicles. Parade-goers will cheer along the parade route on Market Street, as well as in front of the Historic Riverside County Courthouse where parade participants will be announced from the main parade stage as they proceed past.
If you are interested in becoming involved by participating in the parade, being a vendor, or sponsoring, forms can be found at www.adcrfoundation.org, or email Lakishajefferson@yahoo.com and 951.255.5877
