What began in 1979 as the bold idea of two determined women has grown into one of the city’s most anticipated annual events.
On Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026, thousands are expected to line Desiard Street for the 2026 Black History Heritage Parade. Line-up begins at 7 a.m., with the parade rolling from 10 a.m. to noon, ending at the Eastgate Shopping Center. For those unable to attend in person, the parade will be live-streamed on the Monroe Free Press Facebook page, with live narration by Roosevelt Wright, Jr., Free Press Publisher, who will share historical highlights about Monroe’s Black heritage as the procession moves eastward.
Nearly five decades ago, however, there were no crowds waiting hours in advance. There were doubts. There was resistance. And there was snow.
In the fall of 1978, 17-year-old Mary Alice Bryant and Mrs. Emily P. Robinson formed the Renaissance Movement Committee with a simple but daring goal: establish an annual Black History Parade in Monroe. At the time, the idea was met with hesitation from both Black and White communities.
Many Negroes opposed the word “Black”
Some White residents argued that a Black History Parade would be divisive, questioning why there was no “white history” parade, Bryant said.
Within the Black community, some leaders were cautious about supporting an event that used the word “Black,” a term then often associated with protest and militancy, she said.
But Bryant — a self-described “ball of energy” — and Robinson pressed forward and ignored the skeptics.
The first parade in February 1979 faced obstacle after obstacle. Only 21 entries signed up. Carroll High School provided the sole marching band. City officials would not close Desiard Street, but allowed the parade to proceed in only one lane with a police escort.
Then came the snow.
On parade day, heavy snowfall blanketed the city. Majorettes and band members shivered as they marched east on Desiard Street. Curious onlookers watched as participants waved and pressed on despite the cold and skepticism. Many dismissed the effort as unnecessary.
Each year, the parade grew.
In 1992, the effort became official with the registration of the Renaissance Movement Committee. Larry Wilson served as president, Sherry Wilson as treasurer, and Kenya Roberson as secretary, helping solidify the event’s structure and future. Today, Kenya Roberson is the executive director, and Herb Guillory is the president.
Early organizers
Bryant recalls that several others were instrumental in the early years. The late Louis Nabors, Louis Scott, and Andy Furlough were among the originators of the idea alongside Robinson.
The second parade saw support from Dexter Jackson and Dr. Pamela Saulsberry. The late Coach James Hughey encouraged Black youth to take pride in their heritage and inspired the creation of programs that promote Black pride.
“Many people were scared to have a parade because they were not used to it,” Bryant reflected in 2026.
“Mrs. Robinson wanted us to proceed in a way that would not anger people,” said Bryant, who noted that Robinson worked diligently in later years to bring sororities and civic groups into the fold, building broader community support from many who viewed a “black” parade as “radical” and approached it with skepticism.
“A way to say it loud”
Bryant was dismissed by conservatives in the Black community as a radical, but Mrs. Robinson, who’s family was highly respected, provided the balance that ultimately paved the way for greater acceptance.
For Bryant and Robinson, the parade was more than floats and music. It was a public affirmation — a chance to “say it loud” that the community was proud of being Black at a time when some believed that the civil rights laws of the 1960s meant the struggle for recognition was complete.
Today, Robinson has passed on, but the dream she shared continues to flourish.
At 62, Bryant now practices law in Monroe
Bryant, now 62, is a successful general practice attorney in Monroe, handling domestic, criminal, and accident cases in her private practice.
Though many early founders have faded from public memory, their vision remains alive in the marching bands, dance teams, civic organizations, churches, and families who fill the streets each February.
From 21 entries and a snow-covered lane of traffic to hundreds of participants and thousands of spectators, the Black History Heritage Parade stands as a testament to persistence.
It all began with an old coach, a fired-up teenager, and a determined woman who refused to back down.
Forty-seven years later, their march continues.
This is very powerful let the history keep growing stronger every year, I have been faithful going to celebrate this parade