Tim Bradley on Palm Springs black history parade: 'like a black family reunion'
PALM SPRINGS — Boxer Timothy Bradley waved to the diverse throng lining Palm Canyon Drive from a white Jeep Wrangler Saturday — taking time to point at his mother and father on the sidewalk, before being whisked away to cheers from the crowd.
The undefeated WBO welterweight champion served as the grand marshal of the 27th annual Black History Month Parade & Town Fair in downtown Palm Springs for the second time in his life.
His first was in 2009, right after the 30-year-old won his first world title.
“This feels like a black family reunion and, increasingly, a Palm Springs reunion,” said the Rev. C.W. Parker of Ajalon Baptist Church, after participating in the parade. “It’s just one of the things that makes the city cool.”
He called the parade a staple of the Desert Highland Gateway Estates community, and believes it, along with the Tour de Palm Springs and the Palm Springs Festival of Lights are the three must-see, public events in the city.
Amid the Los Angeles chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen and bikers from a variety of Southern California motorcycle clubs marched the Palm Spring High School band and a number of local politicians.
Wanda Wilson arrived with her husband, Thaddeus, half an hour before the parade’s start at 11 a.m. to secure a spot near the finish at Alejo Road.
“I was born here in Palm Springs, and I’m glad the city is bringing awareness to the different ethnicities that are here,” Wanda said. “Palm Springs is growing, and I see a lot of diversity coming here.”
Opal Long of Palm Springs has attended the parade every year since it began.
“It’s nice, that’s all that I can say,” she said. “I’m a fan of (Bradley’s), and this is a good event to have in the city.”
Bradley’s father, Timothy “Ray” Bradley Sr., was trying his best to remain in the background and spectate, despite being a familiar face in his son’s corner.
The younger Bradley grew up attending the parade with his family.
“It’s just wonderful that people select him to participate, and thank God he has time in his busy schedule,” the elder Bradley said. “It’s a pleasure to see him come here and mingle with his people — shows you how humble he is.”
His son’s appearance was sandwiched between two training sessions in preparation for his April 12 title defense against Manny Pacquiao in Las Vegas.
Bradley Sr. believes his son will definitely defeat Pacquiao.
“He’s got a lot of energy, and he wants this one,” he said of his son. “The only body who can stop him is himself, and that’s not happening — no way.”
Following the parade, spectators could treat themselves to the town fair, where cheese steaks and frozen lemonade were served among countless other foods and beverages.
A dance competition is held as part of the fair, featuring kids from all over Southern California.
“I’m so glad our town can celebrate Black History Month in this fashion,” said Paul Lewin, city councilman, while having a hotdog. “People really do get together to make it a party, and the dancing is out of this world.”
