The City of Thomasville invites you to join the community in Downtown Thomasville on Saturday February 8th for a celebration our local Black History, with the 2nd Annual Black History Month Parade & Celebration.
The 2nd Annual Black History Month parade is scheduled to begin at 10am. at the intersection of Broad Street and Washington Street (between Thomasville National Bank and the First Baptist Church parking lot). It will travel down Broad Street, turn right on West Jackson Street, and disband on Lee Street.
“We anticipate a large parade turnout with an expanded number of floats and parade participants,” said Madison Eaton Special Events Coordinator. “Our committee has done a fantastic job in helping grow this tremendous celebration of our local Black History. It is amazing to see the growth from year one to year two”.
This year’s parade will follow a different route from other community parades. “The route for this year’s parade will pay homage to the historic parade route used by Douglass High School from the late 40’s thru the late 60’s,” said Eaton. “It will follow the previous path taken by many past participants, ending in the newly redeveloped Historic District of ‘The Bottom’.
Mr. Jack Hadley, owner of Jack Hadley Black History Museum, will serve as the parade Grand Marshal. Mr. Hadley has spent a lifetime educating our community and visitors about the history and culture of African Americans both locally and nationally, preserving and commemorating the lives of many so that their voice is not lost nor forgotten,” said Eaton. “It was a very easy decision for our committee to name Mr. Hadley as Grand Marshal.”
Following the parade, the community celebrations will continue with local entertainment showcased at The Ritz Amphitheater. The lineup of entertainment kicks off at approximately 11am.
Tentative Schedule of Events
10:00 am: Black History Month Parade
11:00 am: Black History Month Celebration Begins
11:05 am: Anthem Opening
11:10 am: Local High School Band Performance
11:45 am: “Igniting Harriet Tubman” Performance
12:30 pm: Scott Elementary School Performance
1:30 pm: Free Concert by G&S Experience Band
All events are free of charge and open to the community.
“We welcome everyone to join us for a fun day of celebration at The Ritz Amphitheater,” said Eaton. “It will be an afternoon full of activities for the whole family. The Black History Month Parade and Celebration is a multifaceted event that brings our community together for commemoration and fellowship.”
For more information on the City’s Black History Month parade & celebration, contact Madison Eaton at 229-227-4136 or visit Thomasvillega.com.