Hundreds attend annual black history parade

Streets in Central El Paso shutdown on Saturday morning for the annual black history parade.

The parade was organize by the Inter Club Council of El Paso.

Richard Jeffery said he’s been attending the parade since the 1980s. He made a Kwanzaa float for the parade.

“[We’re] making sure that we, as all people, are important to our American society,” Jeffery said.

Estine Davis said she’s attended the parade for the past 35 years.

“I’m most excited to see all these black people coming together, and wanting to be united together with other races,” Davis said.

The parade featured floats and posters from several different groups of the black community. JROTC students from Chapin High School led the parade out of a parking lot at the intersection of Montana Ave. and Pershing Dr.

Darrell Jackson helped organize the float for Bethel Force church in Northeast El Paso.

“You have the pots mixing of the different cultures. You know I think it’s always good to come together as a city,” Jackson said. “I would say whenever you get the opportunity, definitely come out and be supportive.”

Contestants for the Miss Black El Paso pageant were also at the parade, showing support for their community.

“This is a great opportunity to love ourselves,” pageant contestant Desiree Anderson said.

The parade concluded with food and a celebration at Mary Webb Park.