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FONTANA, CA— The morning before the parade, the phenomenal, honored guest were appropriately invited to the Jessie Turner community center for a breakfast reception, at which time they took part in a sash presentation, awarded by Diane Hall presenter for the Rialto/Fontana branch of the NAACP. Each lady received certificates from California State Treasurer Fiona Ma, City of Fontana and Assemblywoman Reyes office.
San Bernardino County Sheriffs phenomenal female mounted posse color guard, 1926 fire truck engine #1 led the grand procession with our phenomenal California State Treasurer Fiona Ma Grand Marshal riding in one of the original Jeep commissioned in the Korean War, where thousands of African Americans served during a time when President Truman ordered the Armed Forces to be desegregated.
Other honorable women of the event included: San Bernardino County Honorary Phenomenal Grand Marshals, People’s Choice Dr. Margaret Hill; PAL center founder Humanitarian Dr. Henry, San Bernardino county’s first Charter School in San Bernardino; Dr. Yolanda Friday Dean Chaffey college Fontana campus. Riding in Cruising Brothers car club red mustang, cowgirl, trailblazer, and Bill Pickett rodeo title holder in barrel racing, Miss Sharon Braxton. Miss Fifi Locke NAACP National life membership representative. Pacesetter Riverside Superior Court Commissioner Belinda Handy. Daphne Hawkins representing non-profits that are making a difference in our community. Pioneers of North Fontana Phenomenal Living Legacy Grand Honorary Marshals, who are both over the age of 90, Mrs. Margie Pullen Fontana unified School district retired teacher; and Mrs. Christine White director of the North Fontana neighborhood employment center.
The parade would not be a parade without, Dorothy Grant elementary School, all-female equestrian riders from the Bill Pickett rodeo participating, San Bernardino pacesetters drill teams, dance teams, elementary schools, and various car clubs.
At the expo it was exciting to have present Rosa Parks niece who will be releasing a children’s book soon about her aunt. There was also food, unique vendors, a kid zone, and live entertainers.
Ellen Turner, President for the Concerned Citizens for the Development of North Fontana, stated, “Each year when planning the parade it has more significance then the year before. It is important to us that we continue to bring awareness to our CommUNITY of the accomplishments African Americans have made and still contribute to the Americas.”
She continues, “Mayor Warren is living example. Having an African American mayor in a city that was influenced by Ku Klux Klan is a sign of the times. I am so happy that the Mayor makes every effort to participate in this parade. People who have lived Southern California knew North Fontana as Fontucky, the KKK, and our racial struggles North of Baseline. This parade each year is so important for the County of San Bernardino as a whole, it symbolizes our progress.”
