Auto Save 2/6/2026, 2:07:57 PM

WESTSIDESTORY NEWSPAPER

Hardy & Cheryl Brown Grand Marshals for the San Bernardino Black History Parade

Cheryl and Hardy Brown are the Grand Marshals for the 47th Annual Black History Parade along Baseline from Mt. Vernon to California Street, ending at Arryo High School. They are a powerful duo in San Bernardino, using media, publishing, and politics to uplift their community and advocate for representation and equality.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA - Hardy and Cheryl Brown will serve as grand marshals for the 2025 San Bernardino Black History Parade on Saturday, February 7, at 9:00 a.m., along Baseline from Mt. Vernon to California Street, ending at Arryo High School. Hardy Brown was the first Black member of the San Ber- nardino City Unified School District school board, and he and his wife founded The Black Voice News. Cheryl served as a state assembly member for the City and region.

"We are honored and excited to welcome Har- dy and Cheryl Brown as the Grand Marshals of the 47th Annual Black History Parade," said Black Cultural Foundation President Carl M. Dameron.

"The Browns' contribution to the Inland Em- pire helped create the political and economic diversity we enjoy today."

"The Executive Committee selected these two exemplary pillars of our community as a tribute to their decades of service. The Browns were instrumental in the founding of the Black Culture Foundation and have served on many committees over the years."

Hardy Brown Sr. is a prominent figure in the Inland Empire's African American communi- ty, recognized as a dedicated newspaper pub- lisher, philanthropist, and community activist. His life journey is marked by a deep commit- ment to social justice, political mobilization, and the preservation of Black history.

Hardy was served with the NAACP and the Inland Empire Urban League. He co-founded the Black Fathers Organization in 1966 to advocate for Black students' integration into Cajon High School, and he helped establish the Westside Action Group (WAG) in 1972 to mobilize the community and hold politicians accountable. He also served on the San Ber- nardino City School Board, working to pre- vent the closure of Westside schools.

Cheryl Renee Brown (born February 11, 1944) is an American politician, publisher, and community leader who served in the Califor- nia State Assembly, representing the 47th As- sembly District from 2012 to 2016. A Demo- crat, Brown has dedicated the majority of her life to public service, earning recognition from numerous local, state, and national organiza- tions for her work.

A lifelong entrepreneur, Brown and her hus- band. Hardy, founded Brown Publishing Com- pany in 1980, which publishes the weekly community newspaper Black Voice News. focusing on local news in Riverside and San Bernardino counties. The Browns were recog- nized as the only living publishers included in the 175th anniversary celebration of the Black Press of America. Their daughter, Dr. Paulette Brown-Hines, now owns and operates the newspaper.

To continue, visit www.wssnews.com.