By Dianne Anderson

With all the dazzle, the twirling, the stepping, the horses, headliners and classic cars, MLK Day is always special, but this year, probably more so because the big family extravaganza and parade is finally happening face to face.

It’s the first big real-time community celebration since pre-pandemic.

“We’ve been stagnant. There’s nothing worse than being vibrant and full of life and nothing being done, or seeing our children not receiving the excitement, the culture and talent that we had when we were young,” said Rev. Bronica Martindale Taylor, a member of our San Bernardino MLK Day Parade and Extravaganza Committee.

She said the Westside San Bernardino Pacesetters Drill Team & Drum Squad is just one of many vibrant parade attractions that have worked hard all year long to put their best feet forward this year.

“They are looking good and that’s what it’s about, we’re trying to encourage the youth. We’ll have vendors and community resources. We’ll have a car show and a stage for entertainment,” she said.

On Monday, January 16, the San Bernardino MLK Parade starts at noon at Gomez Elementary continues west on Baseline St. to Arroyo High School, where the extravaganza runs until 5:00 p.m. The Grand Marshals are San Bernardino Police Chief Darren Goodman, San Bernardino Mayor Helen Tran, State Assemblymember James Ramos, and County Board 5th District Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr.

Under the theme, Living the Dream, event announcers are Empire Talks Back Host Wallace Allen, Krissy Harper of the Pacesetters, Comedian “Mac” Harmakhis Rome, and I Love San Bernardino radio host Robert Porter. The extravaganza features actor Lawrence Hilton Jacobs, Inland Empire homegrown female hip hop rap stars, J.J. Fad and vocalist Makeda Francisco, who has performed with Teena Marie, Rose Royce, and Ziggy Marley.

Parade Chair Lue Dowdy said the community will experience an array of merchandise, vendors, entertainment, and the First 5 children’s zone. They will have a market day, shopping and networking, and nonprofits giving out free items and information to serve the people.

“There will be vendors for anyone looking for a job or looking to connect with other resources. First 5 is one of the supporters for children ages one through five. A lot of different activities are taking place that day,” said Dowdy, also President of the Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce Inland Cities East Chapter.

Dowdy said it’s their third annual event that started live in 2019 and turned virtual for 2020, but nothing last year. The day is long-awaited, especially to showcase diversity as there has been so much heaviness in the world around racial issues.

“We want to show togetherness,” she said. “That was one of the things that Dr. King was definitely about, our rights as African Americans, but he wanted to see all of us united because we’re all one people.”

In keeping with the spirit of MLK’s National Day of Service, she said there are also volunteer opportunities. Several individuals are spearheading outreach, and anyone wanting to learn more about sponsorships, parade entries, or volunteerism is invited to register early.

Guest celebrity Makeda Francisco will be performing on stage, along with the San Bernardino Teen Music Workshop.

She said she is thrilled to be part of this year’s lineup, and to be involved with something uplifting.

“It’s for my community, this is where I live. It’s to feel good for the community, and make everybody love on one another. That’s really what it’s about. Love will conquer everything we’re going through. But that’s what we have to lean into the love,” she said.

To register or volunteer, see http://bit.ly/3WI2BQ1

To learn more, contact Lue Productions at 909.567.1000