Oakland, CA – For over five decades, the Oakland Black Cowboy Association (OBCA) has been a vital part of the East Bay community through its annual parade celebrating black cowboy culture and heritage. However, the cherished 51st Oakland Black Cowboy Parade, scheduled for October 4, 2024, now faces uncertainty due to a significant financial shortfall.
With less than a month to go, the OBCA Treasurer, Wilbert McAlister, revealed the mounting costs of staging the event have eroded the group’s funding. To keep the parade alive, the community’s support has become essential, with the OBCA launching a GoFundMe campaign aimed at closing the budget gap. This event means much more than a parade; it’s a powerful preservation of history and culture that resonates deeply with its members and the entire community.
The Financial Challenge Facing the 51st Parade
The OBCA is grappling with a growing list of expenses critical to hosting the celebration, including:
- A stage and canopy rental costing approximately $2,100
- Porta potties rental around $700-$800
- Insurance fees approaching due dates
Wilbert McAlister highlighted the pressing financial needs:
“We got a stage coming out here and a canopy, and that’s like $2,100. We got porta potties coming out here, that’s like $700-$800. We have a lot of expenses, and our insurance is coming up.”
Despite their efforts, the group is still unsure if the funding will come through in time, placing the parade’s future in jeopardy.
Preserving Black Cowboy Heritage and Culture
The parade is much more than an entertainment spectacle — it is a celebration of black cowboy and cowgirl history that many participants consider part of their identity. Deborah, a long-time OBCA member for over 15 years, shared her personal connection:
“It’s in my blood. It’s in my blood.”
She attributes her passion to her grandfather, who grew up working on a Texas ranch, emphasizing the importance of passing down stories from generation to generation:
“We came from something. This is our heritage. This is what we used to do. We want to keep things going. We black and we proud.”
The event serves as a vehicle to honor the legacy of black cowboys and cowgirls, whose vital contributions to American history are often overlooked.
A Diverse and Inclusive Community Celebration
While named the Oakland Black Cowboy Association, both Deborah and McAlister stress the organization’s inclusivity. People from all backgrounds have embraced the event, which reflects Oakland’s diverse population. Deborah noted with pride the broad mix of attendees:
“You got White, Black, Asians, Mexicans, everybody. People coming from as far as Russia, I saw.”
This diversity is a testament to the wide appeal and communal spirit the parade encourages.
How You Can Help Save the Parade
With financial pressures mounting, the OBCA has turned to the community for help through its GoFundMe campaign. Contributions will directly support essential event expenses, ensuring this historic tradition can continue unbroken.
- Donations will cover logistical costs such as staging, sanitation, and insurance.
- Support helps preserve an essential cultural celebration and community spirit.
- The parade provides an educational platform highlighting black cowboy history and pride.
OBCA and its members express their heartfelt gratitude to those who have already contributed and encourage those who can to join the effort.
“Thank you so much. We really appreciate you for considering and thinking about the Oakland Black Cowboy Association.”
Looking Ahead: The Future of the Oakland Black Cowboy Parade
Though uncertainty looms, the OBCA remains hopeful the parade will carry on as planned this October 4. This celebration not only honors the past but inspires future generations to embrace and continue their rich heritage.
Key Takeaways:
- The 51st Oakland Black Cowboy Parade is currently at risk due to funding challenges.
- The event is an essential cultural tradition preserving black cowboy legacy.
- Community support is crucial to cover rising logistical costs.
- The parade draws an inclusive and diverse audience, reflecting Oakland’s spirit.
- Donations through the OBCA’s GoFundMe will directly impact event success.
What do you think about the Oakland Black Cowboy Association’s efforts to preserve this important piece of history? Have you ever attended the parade or are you planning to support it this year? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
