A classic red convertible car with a California license plate on a city street, with a woman waving a yellow flag from the car's backseat amid a crowd of people holding signs and flags, with tall buildings and murals in the background.

BLACK JOY PARADE
OAKLAND, CA

FEB. 23rd

A group of women in white cheerleader uniforms with fishnet stockings performing a dance routine on a city street, with skyscrapers in the background. The woman in the foreground is posing with one arm raised and her leg extended, wearing a sparkling headband and red lipstick.
rotateOnHover
BJP party logo with a black sun symbol, the text 'BJP' and the number 25 on a yellow background.

BE IN THE 2025
BLACK JOY PARADE

Every year, our parade is more than an event, it’s a powerful Black experience moving to the beat of our Black Joy. And this year, it’s your turn to be a part of it.

SIGN UP TO BE IN THE PARADE

APPLICATIONS CLOSE FEB 6TH

APPLICATIONS CLOSE FEB 6TH

SO YOU WANT TO BE A PART OF THE PARADE?

Well, this is your access to the most vibrant, soulful, and Black cultural celebration in the Bay Area.

A woman dressed in a white gown and beige cloak walking through a city street with a group of dancers performing behind her.
rotateOnHover
BJP political campaign sign with a black sun symbol and the number 25 on a yellow background.

WHEN & WHERE?

When: Sunday, February 23, 2025

People dressed in colorful costumes participating in a parade or festival on a city street, with tall buildings in the background.
rotateOnHover
A person holding a navy blue laptop with a large, circular logo on the back of the screen.
BJP political campaign sign with a black sunburst logo, the text 'BJP 25' on a yellow background.

READY TO JOIN?

All parade participants must complete an application form. The Parade Team will review all applications before sending out official invitations. The application is your first step to be part of the Black Joy Parade!

PARADE CATEGORIES

BANDS

Includes all marching bands and drill teams.

SCHOOLS

All schools, public or private, from elementary to high school, alternative, etc.

COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS

Nonprofits providing services that the community can benefit or enjoy.

SPECIALTY GROUPS

Groups that represent an art or entertainment outside of other categories.

PUBLIC SERVICE PROVIDERS

Private or Government-owned entities, Contact: parade@blackjoyparade.org

CORPORATE SPONSORS

Contact: joinus@blackjoyparade.org

PARADE FEES

To support parade day operations and bring spotlight to parade members, a fee is required per the below guidance:

ELECTED OFFICIALS/GOVERNMENT AGENCIES

$2500

NON-PROFIT WITH ANNUAL REVENUE UNDER $10 MILLION

$100

NON-PROFIT WITH ANNUAL REVENUE OVER $10 MILLION

$6,000

BUSINESSES WITH ANNUAL REVENUE UNDER $10 MILLION

$250

BUSINESSES WITH ANNUAL REVENUE OVER $10 MILLION

$12,000 ($15,000 for the first half of the procession)

*The parade fee is due upon acceptance into the parade.

pay it forward

pay it forward

Many of the organizations who participate in the parade are small local community organizations. Your donation will go towards helping a local organization with their fees to be in the parade.

Black Joy Parade is a 501c3

WATCH THE 2023 LIVESTREAM

A group of women and girls, most with natural curly hair, wearing black sports uniforms with a large letter H on them, gathered outdoors in a celebratory mood, smiling and engaging in a group activity.
rotateOnHover
BJP 25 election campaign sign featuring a black sun symbol on a yellow background with black text

YOUR CHANCE TO WIN $$$

The Black Joy Parade “Best in Flow” award rewards local individuals, groups and organizations for bringing the most joy to the streets during the annual Black Joy Parade.

Each winner receives a Best in Flow certificate and a monetary grant so they can continue to spread joy in the community.

LEARN MORE ABOUT BEST IN FLOW

CELEBRATING BLACK JOY

CELEBRATING BLACK JOY

backToTop
Black arrow pointing upward with a curved tail

BACK
TO TOP