Arkansas Represented at Nation's Largest Black History Month Parade

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The 38th Annual African American History Parade Celebration, the largest Black History parade in the country, is taking place this Saturday in Shreveport, Louisiana. Arkansas is being well-represented, with several notable residents selected as Grand Marshals and participants in the parade, including a professor, an arm wrestling champion, fashion designers, educators, and more.

Why it matters

This parade is a significant annual event that celebrates Black history and culture, and Arkansas' strong representation highlights the state's contributions to the African American community. The parade also coincides with the 50th anniversary of Black History Month and the 100th anniversary of Negro History Week, making it an especially meaningful celebration.

The details

Professor Edmond W. Davis of Arkansas Baptist College in Little Rock has been selected as one of the Grand Marshals of the parade. Davis is an internationally known journalist, author, speaker and social historian who formerly taught in the Little Rock School District. Other Arkansans featured in the parade include '"Monster" Michael Todd, a 23-time Arm Wrestling World Champion, fashion designer Ashton Hall, Ms. USA Global 2025 titleholder Dr. Tamara Glover, and several other educators, entrepreneurs, and community leaders.

• The 38th Annual African American History Parade Celebration is taking place this Saturday, February 8, 2026.
• Black History Month is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2026.
• The 100th anniversary of Negro History Week is also being observed this year.