African American History Parade Teaches Youth
By: Jade Cunningham
Updated: February 5, 2013
Hundreds of locals celebrated Black History Saturday at the 25th annual African American History Parade.
While many see Mardi Gras as a holiday filled with floats, dance teams, and marching bands, others see it as a time to celebrate their past.
"Because Martin Luther King gave us a lot of freedom," said Ashley Young.
And Lashondra Watts feels Saturday's event is the perfect way to do it.
"We need to know where we come from, what people did to help us, what they stood for."
While kids at the parade are busy catching candy and beads, Watts Hopes they'll take something else with them.
"Just to find out how everybody came together to bring us as a black community as one. Everyone can do something positive, it's not black or white, it's everybody."
And Tarus Chatman agrees.
"I came here to support my people, and my cultural ethnic background. It teaches me a lot. It teaches me to want to support and give back to the community, so that's a great thing, that's number one."
But no matter where you come from, or who you are, many will tell you the African American History Parade is the perfect way to bring a community together.
"There's no negativity, there's no harshness. Everybody's out here having a good time, and it means we can come together and we can do something positive."
While many see Mardi Gras as a holiday filled with floats, dance teams, and marching bands, others see it as a time to celebrate their past.
"Because Martin Luther King gave us a lot of freedom," said Ashley Young.
And Lashondra Watts feels Saturday's event is the perfect way to do it.
"We need to know where we come from, what people did to help us, what they stood for."
While kids at the parade are busy catching candy and beads, Watts Hopes they'll take something else with them.
"Just to find out how everybody came together to bring us as a black community as one. Everyone can do something positive, it's not black or white, it's everybody."
And Tarus Chatman agrees.
"I came here to support my people, and my cultural ethnic background. It teaches me a lot. It teaches me to want to support and give back to the community, so that's a great thing, that's number one."
But no matter where you come from, or who you are, many will tell you the African American History Parade is the perfect way to bring a community together.
"There's no negativity, there's no harshness. Everybody's out here having a good time, and it means we can come together and we can do something positive."
