Fontana, CA — On Saturday, Feb. 22, Fontana will commemorate Black History Month with two significant community events: the annual Jazz Fest: A Black History Celebration and the San Bernardino County 57th Black History Month Parade and Expo.

Both events will honor the achievements, culture, and history of Black Americans through music, art, and community engagement.

The 57th Black History Month Parade and Expo will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., starting at the intersection of Citrus Ave. and Sierra Lakes Parkway, just north of the 210 Freeway.

Organized by Concerned Citizens for the Development of North Fontana since 1968, this year’s parade carries the theme “Celebrating Unsung Heroes.”

Celebrity grand marshal Gabriel Cannon will lead the parade, which features local entertainment, vendors, and a car show.

The accompanying expo, running from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., will spotlight Black-owned businesses and offer educational materials on health equity, fatherhood, and youth programs.

The Jazz Fest, scheduled from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Miller Amphitheater, 17004 Arrow Blvd., promises a lively afternoon of music, dance, food and cultural appreciation.

This free event highlights the profound impact of jazz music on American culture, with a lineup of talented performers and educational workshops.

The event will feature performances by the Carole Lynne Dance Studio at 3:10 p.m., followed by the Lonnie Richling Dance Group at 4:10 p.m.

Musical highlights include a 5:40 p.m. performance by the Marlo Wells Jazz Band and a concluding set by Niki J. Crawford’s R&B and Soul Band from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Food vendors will offer a variety of cuisine, including Leroy’s Barbeque Ribs & Fried Chicken, Bog’s Brisket Burgers and the Banana Pudding Lady’s signature dessert.

Local artists and businesses such as Olympus Art and Ebony Noire Beauty will showcase and sell their work, while organizations like the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health will provide community resources.

These local celebrations occur against a backdrop of shifting national policies regarding cultural observances and diversity initiatives.

In mid-2024, Google announced the removal of automatic calendar entries for cultural events such as Black History Month and Pride Month.

The company stated that maintaining a vast array of global cultural moments manually was unsustainable, leading to a focus solely on public holidays and national observances.

Additionally, upon returning to office in Jan. 2025, President Donald Trump signed executive orders aimed at dismantling Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs within federal agencies.

These orders mandate the cessation of DEI initiatives, including activities related to Black History Month and other cultural observances, with the intent to return to a so-called “merit-based” system of hiring.

Despite these changes, local events like Fontana’s Jazz Fest and Black History Month Parade continue to foster community awareness and cultural pride.

For more information about the Jazz Fest, contact the Fontana Arts team at (909) 349-6952 or via email. Details about the parade and expo can be found through the Concerned Citizens for the Development of North Fontana’s official channels.