Oakland Black Cowboy Parade: Association asks community for help, saying annual event may not happen
For more than 50 years, the Oakland Black Cowboy Association and its annual parade have become a staple in the East Bay community.
But this year, that staple could be missing.
With just weeks to go until its October 4 parade, its funding is gone, according to OBCA Treasurer Wilbert McAlister.
He says the expenses to put the show on are piling up fast.
"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," McAlister said.
In order to help the close the financial shortfall, the OBCA has started a GoFundMe , asking for the community's help after years of trying to put smiles on their faces.
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For the OBCA, the annual parade is about more than just the spectacle though.
It's also a way to preserve history and culture, according to many of the group's members.
That includes for Deborah who, in between singing, tells us she's been a member for more than 15 years.
"It's in my blood. It's in my blood," Deborah said.
The Oakland resident says she thinks her fascination with cowgirl culture comes from her grandfather- who grew up on a working ranch in Texas.
Deborah believes it's critical to pass on stories like those of her grandfather and other black cowboys 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," she said.
Despite its name, both Deborah and McAlister emphasis that the organization is for everyone.
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A fact the pair say is evident by the diverse mix of people who show up at their events.
"You got White, Black, Asians, Mexicans, everybody. People coming from as far as Russia, I saw," said Deborah.
While the group says they don't know if they'll have the money, they're hopeful their parade will go on as planned this fall.
And for everyone who has helped them so far, they have this message.
"Thank you so much. We really appreciate you for considering and thinking about the Oakland Black Cowboy Association."
