Florence Celebrates Second Annual Pat Gibson Hye Moore Parade

News Summary

The second annual Pat Gibson Hye Moore Black History Parade brought communities together in Florence, SC to honor a dedicated leader and celebrate Black heritage. Organizers ensured the event highlighted pride, music, and unity, while offering participants a chance to connect and learn about significant historical figures. The lively procession featured an array of participants and concluded with reflections on the importance of heritage for future generations. This event emphasized community spirit, love, and the ongoing mission to celebrate Black history.

Florence Comes Alive with the Second Annual Pat Gibson Hye Moore Black History Parade

This past Saturday, the vibrant city of Florence, South Carolina, buzzed with excitement as it hosted the second annual Pat Gibson Hye Moore Black History Parade. This spectacular event transformed Downtown Florence into a colorful kaleidoscope of culture, pride, and community spirit.

A Legacy Honored

The parade was organized to celebrate the memory of the late Pat Gibson Hye Moore, a dedicated local leader who served as a city councilwoman from 2016 until 2022. Sadly, Hye Moore passed away last month after battling a long-term illness, leaving behind a legacy that many in the community cherish. Organizers Les Echols and radio personality Uncle Buddah took the reins this year, ensuring that Hye Moore’s vision for community connection and love continued to flourish.

The Themes: Pride, Music, and Unity

With themes centered around pride, music, and unity, the parade was designed to uplift and educate. Over 100 enthusiastic participants gathered at the Showtime Event Center parking lot earlier in the day, ready to showcase their commitment to their community and rich history.

Excitement in the Air

Local resident Scottie Hickson was among the many who expressed excitement about the event. The parade provided a wonderful opportunity for the community to come together, connect, and spread love. Families and friends gathered to share in the joyous atmosphere, creating a sense of belonging among neighbors.

A Diverse and Spirited Procession

The parade featured an impressive lineup, with about 50 motorcyclists and a splash of colorful vehicles, including cars and slingshots. Approximately 100 participants marched in solidarity, each adding their unique flair to the event. Among them was a spirited 12-year-old named Prophet Streater, who was particularly excited to spend quality time with family and friends.

Learning and Celebrating Together

While the parade was undoubtedly a day filled with celebration, it also served as a vital opportunity for community members to learn about significant historical figures and events that have shaped their lives. The procession kicked off at the old town square plaza on West Evans Street and concluded at Thompson Barbershop, where participants gathered for a brief program and refreshments.

Voices of Reflection and Inspiration

During the closing program, notable speakers took the stage to discuss the importance of remembering history. The reflections shared were poignant, as Elder Henry Badie Jr. spoke about his experiences during the civil rights movement and emphasized the need for youth to understand their heritage. Valerie Badie echoed this sentiment, highlighting how crucial it is to pass down history to the upcoming generation.

Pride in Participation

Representatives from local organizations, including members from the Phi Beta Sigma fraternity, expressed pride in their participation. They highlighted the significance of such events in promoting and uplifting Black history. The event proved to be a meaningful gathering, reinforcing the notion that collective efforts can unveil the true richness of the community’s heritage.

A Living Legacy

As the sun set on this memorable day, 16-year-old Cameron Wallace captured the essence of the event by underlining the power of coming together as a community. He expressed how highlighting Black influence and shared experiences fosters a deeper appreciation of cultural heritage.

Ultimately, the second annual Pat Gibson Hye Moore Black History Parade was not only a day to honor a remarkable leader, but it was also an opportunity to continue the mission of community unity and pride that Hye Moore so passionately advocated for. It left participants with a renewed sense of connectedness and determination to keep the flame of cultural legacy burning brightly.

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HERE Resources

Florence, S.C. Celebrates Second Annual Black History Parade

Additional Resources

• WPDE: Florence Unites in Parade to Honor Black History
• SCNow: Florence Black History Parade Photos
• ABC7: Black History Month Events in Southern California
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Black History Month
• Fox 5 Atlanta: Black History Month Events in Metro Atlanta