Celebrating Black Heritage

This weekend, Orange County’s African American community launched its observance of Black History Month with its 21st annual parade Saturday in Santa Ana. African Americans make up only about 2% of the county population, but they are an active and vital part of the community. And each year the black history in the county grows richer.

Since last year’s parade, the 2001 grand marshal, Kathryn McCullough of Lake Forest, became the county’s first black mayor. Last June, Joseph Gatlin of Santa Ana was selected as the first black foreman in the history of the county Grand Jury. Also, the first black women on two city councils were elected, Alberta D. Christy in Santa Ana and Karen Robinson in Costa Mesa. They join other notable leaders, including Webster J. Guillory, the county assessor, and Milton A. Gordon, president of Cal State Fullerton.

We join in celebrating this rich heritage. Its continuing history has been an important part of the county’s multiethnic growth and unity.