The Largest African American History Month Celebration Parade In February: A Recap!

National Theme (2026): “A Century of Black History Commemorations”

Memory as Power · Culture Creates Commerce · History That Moves Forward
"Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it." – Proverbs 22:6
"Write the vision, and make it plain..." – Habakkuk 2:2
"For the vision is yet for an appointed time..." – Habakkuk 2:3

A Parade of Presence, Purpose, and Power

In a time when American history is increasingly debated, restricted, or quietly erased, the African American History Month Parade Celebration in Shreveport, Louisiana, stands as a national act of resistance—not through protest, but through powerful presence.

Now in its 38th year, the celebration is far more than a parade. It is the longest-running African American History Month parade in the United States, and the only one held in February broadcast live for four consecutive hours—a distinction that underscores both its cultural gravity and civic impact. This experience brings an economic boost to the cities of Shreveport, Bossier region and the entire ArkLaTex corridor.

Held every first Saturday in February, this event has transformed into a cultural institution under the visionary leadership of former Louisiana State Representative Barbara Norton, who, nearly 40 years ago, planted the seeds of what has now become a national stage for Black legacy, innovation, and resilience. The 38th running of this experience falls in alignment with the date of the actual day the nation and history befalls on the 100 birthday of Black History Month (Negro History Week-1926). In 1976, President Gerald R. Ford authorized Black History into a month. It was the concept created by Historian, educator, and founder of the Association for the Study of Negro Life and Hisotry (ASNLH), Dr. Carter G. Woodson. It must also be known that Rev. Jesse E. Moorland, co-founder of the ASNLH provided financial and intellectual support to this cause.

From Local Vision to National Legacy

What began in 1988 with 50 spectators and 500 participants has grown into a full-scale national movement—drawing over 150,000 attendees and 8,000+ participants from at least 15 states.

Each year, Downtown Shreveport transforms into a living classroom where Black history isn't footnoted or banned—but celebrated, boldly and unapologetically. The event is broadcast live on KTBS-TV3 and KPXJ-CW21, reaching households throughout the Ark-La-Tex region.

Formally recognized by the Mayor of Shreveport, the Governor of Louisiana, the Attorney General, and even the United States Senate, this parade is a civic and cultural treasure that continues to expand its reach and impact.

A Parade That Heals a Nation

In today's divisive social climate, where historical truth is often politicized, this parade quenches a national thirst for unity, cultural elevation, and shared heritage. It is a place where generations gather and where communities are reminded of their worth, contributions, and future potential.

To those who have never attended: this is not just a parade—it is a pilgrimage of connectivity. A spiritual and cultural compass that brings together Americans from the North American, South American, Caribbean American landscapes, and everywhere in between.

2026 Grand Marshals

This year's Grand Marshals reflect the parade's commitment to honoring excellence across multiple sectors:

Monyetta Shaw-Carter (Georgia) – Actress & Reality TV Star
Ret. Col. Rev. Samuel McKinsey (Louisiana) – U.S. Army Veteran and Pastor
Steffanie Rivers (Texas) – FAA-certified drone pilot, CEO of TCB Drones Academy
Edmond W. Davis (Philadelphia, PA / Little Rock, AR) – Social Historian, Journalist, and Founder of the National HBCU Black Wall Street Career Fest

Distinguished 2026 Honorees & Participants

(Listed with Abbreviated States)

Genai Walker Dennis (TX/AR) – Former pro athlete & financial advisor
Tim Campbell (AR) – Speaker, entrepreneur, UAPB grad
Natasha Houston (AR) – Entrepreneur & Fitness Leader
Alma & Joe Olivier (LA) – Entrepreneurs and Nonprofit leaders to the Derek J. Olivier
Sherreco Allen (Texas) – Comedian, Author, Producer & Actress “Lady Rico”
Ashton Hall (New York & AR) – Fashion designer, author & CEO of the Ashton Hall Connection
Dr. Donnetta Watson (Kansas City, KS) – CEO, Black MasterMind Group
Dr. Tamara Glover (AR) – Professor at UAPB, & Mrs. USA International Global
Latrice McElroy (AR/Tenn) – Entrepreneur & advocate
Terence L. Bolden (AR/FL/UAE) – International business leader, author, Investor
Chanslor 'Champ' Watson (LA/AR) – Educator & Coach
Kristin Knox (AR) — Co-Owners of the Opportunity Knox, LLC. & Media Personality
Robin White (LA/AR) – Author, Storyteller, National Park Site
E'scie Ward (AR) – Modeling coach & community leader
Agnolia B. Gay (AR) — Entrepreneur, Storyteller, Poet, Educator
Akihsay Gupton (AR) – Black Empowerment Awards founder & Little Rock Police Officer, Philanthropist
Stephan Hansen (AR) —Entertainer, & Artist
Raekwon Walker (NY/NC) – Nonprofit leader
Michelle Mackel (OK) – CEO of Plugstar Entertainment & Publishing, Speaker, Celebrity Publicist and philathropist
JA Young, and Dr. Julia Young, Entrepreneurs, and Business Executives
Monster Michael Todd (Hot Springs, AR) – World champion arm wrestler, CEO of Monster Factor 2.0, Fitness Trainer
Edmond W. Davis (Philadelphia, Pa. & Little Rock, AR) – Social Historian, author, professor, speaker, and founder of the National HBCU Black Wall Street Career Fest.

Legacy Honorees and Icons

Dr. Milton P. Crenchaw (AR) – Tuskegee Airman, past Grand Marshal
Dr. Raymond Hicks – Former President, Grambling State University
Lamar Goree & Ollie Tyler – Past Shreveport leaders
Cultural Performers – From Sesame Street's Elmo to Dallas' Highland High Steppers

Culture Creates Commerce: The Economic Ripple

This celebration is not just a cultural win—it's an economic driver. During parade weekend:

Hotels hit near-capacity
Restaurants and local vendors see peak traffic
Small Black-owned businesses experience increased visibility and revenue
Temporary jobs in staging, logistics, and broadcast expand

Visitors came from Texas, Arkansas, Tennessee, Kansas, New York, Oklahoma, Washington, Nevada, Minnesota, and even international locations—proving that heritage is infrastructure, and culture is currency.

Impact on Youth and Education

The parade serves as a powerful teaching moment. For Black students, especially, seeing themselves reflected in leaders, scientists, artists, and veterans fuels their aspirations. This is history in motion—history that uplifts, affirms, and awakens purpose.

"My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge." – Hosea 4:6

The event remains a beacon of knowledge, faith, and joy in a society that too often overlooks the richness of Black history.

Why This Parade Matters — Now More Than Ever

Black history isn't just for February. It is for the foundation.

This parade boldly insists that remembrance is not just about looking back—it's about moving forward. And it does so with pageantry, purpose, and people at its center. Thirty-eight years strong, this parade continues to move cars, communities, commerce—and consciousness. We know that more years are behind its founder than in front of Ms. Barbara Norton. To see another 38 years pass by for the parade is good, yet I hope mentees are in place isnt able to get around as well as she does now, we must keep the legacy of this national resourc

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Edmond W. Davis is an American social historian, international speaker, and Amazon #1 bestselling author. He is a global authority on the Tuskegee Airmen and serves as the founder of the National HBCU Black Wall Street Career Fest. A native of Philadelphia, PA, and current resident of Little Rock, AR, Davis is committed to cultural empowerment and educational equity through storytelling and civic engagement. Davis is a Grand Marshal at the 38th Annual African American History Month Celebration Parade.