BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — Saturday is the last day of Black History month and Bakersfield is closing the celebration with its annual Bakersfield Black American History Parade.
Kicking off from 21 St. and V St. the annual parade made its way through downtown at 10 a.m.
Attendees filled the streets to honor the history and contributions that African Americans have made to the U.S. and beyond.
The parade route was full of high school marching bands, performers and vendors showcasing African American culture.
"It's important that our youth understand their legacy and our legacy that has happened years and years before them," said Nick Hill, president, and CEO of the Black Chamber of Commerce. "They need to understand the fight and struggle."
The theme for the parade this year is "cultural bridges for the future" while intending to build a stronger community.
Officials say the goal of the theme is to remind the "community to create pathways for even better opportunities to build a stronger and effective village moving forward."
Hill says they are grateful for the outpouring support.
"This parade today is the biggest turnout to date and they had 50 people enter the parade this year," said Hill.
Hill adds that this year's parade is also the largest turnout in attendance.
