By Dianne Anderson

Drill teams, marching bands, classic cars, and local dignitaries are ready to pack the streets at the annual San Bernardino Black History Parade and Festival with lots of activities to rally around, not to mention the overall built-in fun factor.

Carl Dameron says the event is loaded with a lot of crowd-pleasing resources to help the community de-stress, decompress, and most of all, enjoy the day.

“This is a celebration of success, a celebration of black culture, Black excellence, and of our communities and how we work together. It means joy and happiness in an annual celebration,” said Dameron, president of the San Bernardino Black Culture Foundation, which hosts the parade and festival.

Marching bands include San Bernardino City Unified School District, the Cardinal Marching Band, performing alongside VIP appearances from Assemblymember James Ramos, Mayor Helen Tran, and County Supervisor Joe Baca.

But beyond fun and music, he said several local health organizations will be on site offering vaccine info, mental health help, and community support programs.

“We’ve asked San Bernardino County Workforce Development to be present and we expect them and other companies that do have resources, including Catholic Charities,” he said, adding that vendors and parade participants also still have time to sign up to get involved.

On Saturday, February 7, the parade checks in at 7:00 a.m., starting at 9:00 a.m. from Graciano Gomez Elementary School, rolls through Westside San Bernardino, and finishes at Arroyo Valley High School by 11:00 a.m. Festival activities continue, wrapping up at 3:00 p.m.

Later that evening, Saturday, February 7, the 34th Annual Black Rose Awards ceremony will be held at Santos Manuel Student Union, California State University, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Celebrity headliner is Makita, acclaimed former backup vocalist with Rose Royce, who also toured and recorded with both Teena Marie and Rick James as part of the Stone City band.

Bronica Martindale, chair of the Black Rose Committee, said that all their events are based on empowerment and building upon the next generation.

“Regardless of what things look like, doom or gloom, we still have to strengthen our young adults with wisdom, understanding, and resources to still move forward, no matter what,” said Martindale, also a long-time member of the Black Culture Foundation.

She said this year’s honorees have really earned their recognition. They’ve rolled up their sleeves and worked hard for the community.

“We’re going to be recognizing individuals, honoring them, but it’s people that put work in, time in. Nowadays people give out awards like it’s popcorn, here you go, but where’s the work?” she said.

Fundraising for student scholarships is another program priority. In these times, she said even adults can become overwhelmed, and it’s important to support students, to connect one-on-one, to not leave them to their own devices, specifically cell phones.

“You have to put them in front of you, deal with them presently,” she said. “You can’t keep a person plugged in without them becoming fried. Let’s have quality time together, let’s unplug.”

That Black Rose Awards event is organized in collaboration with Cal State San Bernardino’s Office of Black Student Success, led by Director Brandon Gamble, and the university’s Black Faculty, Staff, and Student Association.

In today’s campus and community, Anthony Roberson defines a pioneer as someone who leads with purpose, courage, and responsibility in the face of change or challenge.

They create new pathways and bring others along in the process.

Coming up February 27, the 38th Annual Pioneer Breakfast will be held at SMSU Events Center, running from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Their annual scholarships are awarded to students who live up to the leaders that served before them.

He said the recipients have kept a strong academic commitment, leadership, service, and resilience, and stayed engaged on campus and in their communities. They’ve pushed through obstacles and used their education as a tool for positive change.

“BFSSA approaches these scholarships with a deep sense of responsibility because the names attached to them represent legacy, service, and impact within our local community. When selecting recipients for scholarships honoring Dr. Mildred Henry, Terrilyn Monette, and the Overton family, we look beyond grades alone,” said Roberson, president of Cal State San Bernardino’s Black Faculty, Staff, and Student Association.

Roberson has worked at almost every level of higher education, from custodial work to senior leadership.

He said moving activism from the streets into classrooms is a big focus.

Events like their Black Student Empowerment Symposium help students turn social justice into academic and financial success. The Next Gen Conference in the spring also plays a critical role in helping students succeed through workshops, panels, mentorship, and academic stability.

But he has been concerned how some parents are afraid of student debt or privacy issues, and hesitant to share personal information for their students to continue college. He said CSUSB can provide the right information and guidance on free funding.

“Access to FAFSA and Pell Grants is more critical now than ever. For many students, particularly first-generation, low-income, and historically underrepresented students, these programs are not supplemental. They are foundational to whether higher education is even possible,” he said.

Looking at this year’s scholarship recipients, he hopes everyone understands that persistence is rarely a straight path, or for perfect circumstances. It’s about staying committed to goals even when the journey is challenging or unclear.

He wants students to know it’s not where they start that defines where they end up, but it’s how they show up.

“Persistence is built through consistency, humility, and the willingness to keep learning. It’s also important to recognize that success is not achieved in isolation. Along the way, there are always people and communities who invest time, care, and resources to help you move forward,” he said.

Their journey is not just about education. He said it’s about lifting others up and giving back to the spaces that shaped them.

Along the way, students will experience some doubt, setbacks, and unexpected challenges, but he feels that good leadership is rooted in service.

“The education, opportunities, and support they receive are not just for personal success, but for creating positive change for others. When they lead with humility, persistence, and a commitment to uplifting their communities, their impact will extend far beyond their time in college,” he said.

For more information, see:

On Black History Parade, see https://sbbcfoundation.org/black-history-month-parade/

For Black Rose Tickets, see https://sbbcfoundation.org/black-rose-tickets/

For CSUSB, see https://www.csusb.edu/office-black-student-success/events