The East Lake Family YMCA and Drew Charter School are hosting their sixth annual Black History Month parade Saturday, Feb. 7, at noon.
The event is free and will feature a marching band, cheerleaders, horses, elected officials, local vendors, and more. This year, the East Lake Family YMCA is celebrating 25 years of Black Excellence in East Lake.
Dooshima Mngerem, East Lake Family YMCA associate executive director, said the event is to honor the rich history and culture of East Lake, which is a historically black neighborhood with the exceptionally large housing project, “East Lake Meadows,” originating there in the 90s.
“It’s changed so much over the past 30 years with the infusion of mixed-income housing and the YMCA and charter schools and many resources,” she said. “We want to make sure that we’re honoring the history of this neighborhood. It’s a reason for us to grow together, come together, celebrate together, what the community was, what the community is now.”
Dedra Ridges, East Lake Family YMCA family program director, said this year is different from previous years because it has grown a lot. They began during COVID to get their senior group pit, who did not have many family members around at the time due to isolation.
“With it being our 25th year at the East Lake YMCA, this year, we’re bringing out our local businesses in the area, as well as organizations, community leaders, and youth groups, so we can highlight them and the efforts they have made over the years,” she said. “We also get the opportunity to recognize R.C. Pruitt, who was one of the first executives with the East Lake YMCA, as Grand Marshall.”
She also said Black history is something that’s ongoing and about honoring the people who paved the way for all of us.
“We’re making history every day, not just a hundred years ago during slavery, but every day in the small moments,” she said. “We’re honoring the legacy of Eva Davis, who was a giant of a community organizer and who the street is named after.
Over 400 participants will be marching with the YMCA along Eva Davis Way this year, according to Ridges. They will also have 26 vendors, including food trucks, to highlight restaurants in the area.
“A lot of our vendors are mental health providers that provide services, housing support, health support services, as well as school support services for community members here in our area,” Ridges said.
After the parade, guests will have the opportunity to explore the East Lake YMCA, where they will have an opportunity to do walk-throughs and visit their very own YMCA in their community. There will be a DJ, a blessing closet where they will be giving away coats and clothing for those who are in need, fun games, and giveaways.