Hardy and Cheryl Brown will serve as grand marshals for the 2026 San Bernardino Black History Parade on Saturday, February 7, at 9:00 am, running along Baseline from Mt. Vernon to California Street, ending at Arryo High School. Hardy Brown was the first Black member of the San Bernardino City Unified School District Board of Education, and he and his wife founded The Black Voice News. Cheryl served as a state assembly member for the City and region.
“We are honored and excited to welcome Hardy and Cheryl Brown as the Grand Marshals of the 47th Annual Black History Parade,” said Black Cultural Foundation President Carl M. Dameron. “The Browns’ contribution to the Inland Empire helped create the political and economic diversity we enjoy today.
“The Executive Committee selected these two exemplary pillars of our community as a tribute to their decades of service. The Browns were instrumental in the operations of The Black Culture Foundation and have served on many committees over the years.”
Hardy Brown Sr. is a prominent figure in the Inland Empire’s African American community, recognized as a dedicated newspaper publisher, philanthropist, and community activist. A deep commitment to social justice, political mobilization, and the preservation of Black history marks his life journey.
Hardy was active with the NAACP and the Inland Empire Urban League. He co-founded the Black Fathers Organization in 1966 to advocate for the integration of Black students into Cajon High School, and he helped establish the Westside Action Group (WAG) in 1972 to mobilize the community and hold politicians accountable. He was also the first Black male president of the San Bernardino City Unified School Board, working to integrate City schools.
Cheryl Brown is an American politician, publisher, and community leader who served in the California State Assembly, representing the 47th Assembly District from 2012 to 2016. A Democrat, Brown has dedicated the majority of her life to public service, earning recognition from numerous local, state, and national organizations for her work.
A lifelong entrepreneur, Brown and her husband, Hardy, purchased the Black Voice News in 1980, focusing on local news in Riverside and San Bernardino counties. They have been married for 63 years.
The Browns were recognized as the only living publishers included in the 175th anniversary celebration of the Black Press of America. Their daughter, Dr. Paulette Brown-Hines, now owns and operates the newspaper.
Black History Parade Details:
· Online parade registration: until January 31, 2026: bit.ly/42SxzcJ
· Date: Saturday, February 7, 2026
· Starts: at Graciano Gomez Elementary School
· Check-in: 7:00 am, Arroyo Valley High School
· Ends: Arroyo Valley High School
· Contact: Russel Ward Russ.ward33@gmail.com
· Route: Baseline Ave. and Mt. Vernon to California Street
“The Black History Parade, a cherished tradition since 1968, will proceed along Baseline Avenue from Mt. Vernon to California Street in Westside San Bernardino, uplifting the community with its vibrant energy and cultural importance,” said Dameron.
Parade coordinator Russel Ward said, “Five marching bands are set to perform. The Cardinal Marching Band from San Bernardino High School will lead the parade. The marching bands from San Gorgonio High School, Indian Springs High School, and Arroyo Valley High School will end the parade and lead us all to Arrowhead Vista High School for the festival.
“Cheer squads from Arrowview Middle School, Chavez Middle School, Curtis Middle School, Del Vallejo Middle School, Emmerton Elementary School, Fairfax Elementary School, Indian Springs High School, King Middle School, Lytle Creek Elementary School, Marshall Elementary School, Paakumá Elementary, Rio Vista Elementary School, San Gorgonio High School and Urbita Elementary School will perform, along with Steppers from Fairfax Elementary and Cajon High,” added Ward.
Black History Festival Details:
Online Parade and Festival registration: till January 31, 2026
· Date: Saturday, February 7, 2026
· Time: 3:00 pm, after the parade until 3:00 pm.
· Location: Arroyo High School, 1881 W. Base Line St., San Bernardino
· Set Up: 8:00 am, Arroyo Valley High School
· Tear Down: 3:00 pm, Arroyo Valley High School
· Ends: Arroyo Valley High School
· Contact: Vickie Davis blackontheblock.missd@gmail.com
“The festival will be a lively celebration with a wonderful mix of vendors, performers, and community groups. Visitors will have the chance to indulge in delicious food, explore cultural arts, and enjoy live shows featuring comedians, dancers, and singers,” said Dameron.
About the Black Culture Foundation
The Black Culture Foundation's purpose “...is to foster an interest and a greater understanding of Black culture, to heighten community awareness of the accomplishments of Black people, past and present, and to plan, coordinate and direct an annual Black History Month parade and related cultural activities...and bridge the gaps across cultural lines by bringing the local community together to celebrate this event in unity.”
For more information about the Black Culture Foundation, go to SBBCFoundation.org.