LAUDERDALE LAKES, Fla. — Lauderdale Lakes residents and visitors gathered Saturday morning to celebrate Black History Month as the city hosted its 18th annual Black Excellence Parade and Festival, a tradition highlighting Black history, culture and achievement.
The parade kicked off along the city’s parade route with first responders, community groups, city officials and marching bands participating in a full day of festivities focused on community pride and entertainment.
Local 10 News’ Isabella Martin spoke with Lauderdale Lakes resident James Humphrey, who said he has attended the event for the past five years.
“One, supporting the community,” Humphrey said. “I mean, this is something that’s very, very nice. I mean, to come out and actually witness the police, the paramedics, the city officials of Lauderdale Lakes, and just supporting the Black community.”
Humphrey said the event represents more than a parade, emphasizing unity and cultural recognition.
“I mean, just the Black culture, period, and that’s the number one thing I see about it,” he said.
As sirens sounded and additional groups moved along the route, Humphrey reflected on seeing residents come together during Black History Month.
“It’s actually supporting the culture, not only just the Black culture, but all cultures,” he said. “It’s coming out and just acknowledging — especially what we’re going through today — just letting you know that we do have a footprint here as a community, as a culture.”
Humphrey said attending the parade was a priority for him.
“I got up early this morning,” he said. “That was the number one thing on our mind, was to come and see the parade.”
He added that one of his favorite parts of the event is watching the youth participate.
“It’s great,” Humphrey said. “To see, you know, with the marching bands, the youth and everything like that — it’s great. I love it.”
When asked what he looks forward to most each year, Humphrey did not hesitate.
“The Boyd Anderson (High School) band,” he said. “That’s the number one thing. I definitely want to see them come through, the ROTC and stuff like that.”
Mozetta Johnson, who lives in Lauderdale Lakes, said the parade continues to grow each year and brings residents together.
“You see everybody out here smiling, enjoying themselves,” she said. “That’s what this is about — community, pride and celebrating who we are.”
She added that seeing young people participate makes the event especially meaningful.
“When you see the kids and the bands and the dancers, you know the culture is being passed on,” Johnson said. “That’s important.”
A girl named Skyler said watching the marching bands inspired her.
“It really made me want to be part of something like that,” she said. “Seeing everyone work together and perform, it just looked special.”
Other parade-goers echoed that sentiment, saying the event serves as a reminder of shared history and progress during Black History Month.
The parade and festival featured performances, community organizations and local students celebrating Black excellence in Lauderdale Lakes.
Copyright 2026 by WPLG Local10.com - All rights reserved.
