Founder of South Carolina Black history parade steps down

The streets of Columbia have come alive each February for two decades in a vibrant celebration of Black history.

Spectators line the streets as colorful floats, marching bands, and performers pass by, celebrating the history and contributions of Black South Carolinians at Martin Luther King Jr. Park. 

The statewide Black history parade and festival marched down Harden Street for the last time under the leadership of founder Oveta Glover on Feb. 22. Glover is stepping down from her leadership role, and so far no one has stepped up to take her place. 

The event carried an added layer of meaning this year, honoring the legacy of Glover and the generations she has educated. 

Glover launched the parade in 2005 through her nonprofit, Friends United as a Neighborhood Developmental Society.  

She partnered with Columbia’s Parks and Recreation Department to add the festival to the parade five years later after receiving positive feedback. 

“The conception became in 2004,” Glover said. “It was a dream of mine, but when I got it … I was so excited about the fact that we needed to show our history. (It was) with the push of my father, Rev. B.J. Glover, that (I) decided to go forth. And my thoughts were, how can I get this education out and also make it interesting?” 

Glover, one of 11 trailblazers to integrate Charleston’s public schools in 1963, has spent years advocating for educating the youth about history.  

She encourages festival participants to portray a notable Black South Carolinian in an effort to showcase local history. 

“Our youth need to know from which they came,” Glover said. “And if we shut it down, all kind of stuff can happen. And history repeats itself. So, you need to tell the bad history, the good history, and the in-between history.” 

The parade has served as a reminder of Black Americans’ contributions and the significance of preserving their history.  

“This is the United States of America, and it’s our diversity that strengthens us,” said Sherron Williams, an alternate executive committee member of the Richland County Democratic Party. “You know, a certain segment of the population did not build this country by themselves. Everyone built it. Everybody pitched in, and some people don’t want us to remember that. That’s why Black history is American history.” 

The event has drawn in businesses, civic organizations and community leaders over the years. 

Donella Richards, a representative of the United Order of Tents, has long participated in the festival. 

“We needed to be here …,” Richards said. “We wanted to be here to show support. Hopefully someone else will pick up the mantle and we can continue or rework this.” 

Though Glover is stepping away from organizing the event, the spirit of the parade lives on.  

“It’s kind of bittersweet for me,” Glover said. “Folks don’t believe I’m going to let it go, and people are trying to say no you should continue it.”