Countywide : Black History Parade to Be Held Saturday

Former heavyweight boxing champion Ken Norton, actor Ken Sagoes of “Nightmare on Elm Street” and rap group World Class Wreckin’ Crew will parade through Santa Ana on Saturday to celebrate roles that blacks have played in America’s history.

Actor Willard Pugh, who played Harpo, Oprah Winfrey’s husband in “The Color Purple,” will be grand marshal for the 12th annual Black History Parade. The parade, which starts at 10 a.m., is one of numerous county events planned for February, national Black History Month.

This year, more than 20,000 people are expected to attend the parade, said Helen Shipp, president of the Orange County Black Historical Commission. The parade is being sponsored by the commission, the city of Santa Ana and Wiley L. Kimbrough Lodge No. 91, Prince Hall Masons.

After the parade, a Unity Festival program is planned at Birch Park at 3rd and Ross streets. Ethnic food, drink and other items will be sold.

For more information, call (714) 547-6152 or (714) 539-0521.

Black History Parade Parade begins Saturday, 10 a.m. Unity Festival planned after parade