Black Veterans Parade 2026
by Jewelean Magee
On August 29, 2026, the African American Veterans Arts and Culture Corpo ration had its 5th annual parade. Volunteers from the community and members of the Johnetta R. Cole Am Vets Post 24, participated as re-enactors such as “Uncle Sam” “Statue of Liberty, while others portrayed Mr. T and Dorie Miller (WW II U.S. Navy Veteran). Other volunteers carried banners representing all twelve wars along with the Erie County Sherrif Dept on horseback.
Ms. Debbera M. Ransom was the mistress of ceremony and introduced the grand marshals for this year’s parade who were Mr. Louis “Bobby” Robinson, who served in the Army form March 9,1966 – March 8, 1964. His job in the Army was head clerk of the Warrant Officer Candidate Records. Mr. Robinson said that “It was an honor to serve in the Army. And I was fortunate that I did not have to go to Vietnam.’ After leaving the Army, Mr. Robinson returned to Philadelphia and later moved to Buffalo.
Ms. Doris Brooks was also the grand marshal as well. She enlisted in the Army National Guard as a combat medic from 1984-1992. She did her basic training at Ft. Jackson and Advanced Individual Training at Ft. Sam Houston. Ms. Brooks came back to Buffalo after her training was complete.
Ms. Ransom also introduced Mr. Jeffrey Elder, Niagara County’s 4th district legislator that served in the U.S. Air Force for 27 years. During his time in the Air force, Mr. Elder was a flight Attendant aboard Air Force One under Presi dents George H.W Bush (father) Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush (son). Mr. Elder recently wrote a book entitled “From Niagara Falls to Air Force One and Back” and said “Thank you “to Ms. Ransom and all others for bringing this parade together.
The keynote speaker for the parade was retired U.S. Army Lt. Colonel Andre Lloyd who is now the C – District Police Chief. Col. Lloyd has served 25 years in the Army Reserves, beginning in 1998. During that time, Lt. Col. Lloyd did attend Canisius College (university) as a mathematics major and went through the college’s Army ROTC program. He received his B.S degree and earned his commission as an officer in 2003. Mr. Lloyd began said “When I look back over the years those 25 years, I think about the uniforms I have worn and the responsibilities I have carried. I was shaped by the soldiers that I served alongside, plus the leaders and mentors who shaped me.” Lt. Col. Left the Army Reserves in 2023.
Mr. Lloyd spoke about the generations of African Americans men and women who were the uniform (all branches of the military) before him. “Because When I put on that uniform (army) I was never walking alone.” Mr. Lloyd also noted that “In our military history, there were sacrifices, perse verance, patriotism and courage was made. “These African Americans fought for freedom while sometimes being denied freedom themselves. They defended democracy abroad while fighting discrimination at home,” said Mr. Lloyd.
Discrimination has played a major role as to why some Black veterans never achieved their potential. Mr. Lloyd stated that “Not every veteran reached their full potential. Some were denied opportunities, promotions, not allowed to serve in certain areas, special ties, and potions, which led to discouragement and some left the military. We remember all those who served when the military was segregated. We remember those who broke barriers. We remember those who were and still are famous such as the 54th Infantry Regiment, Harlem Hellfighters, the Six Triple Eight Postal Battalion, and countless others whose names will not be record in history.”
Mr. Lloyd concluded his speech by saying “May God bless our African American veterans and those who continue to serve this country today. May God Bless the United States of America.” Ms. Phobie Davis performed the national anthem and a song entitled “Joshua Fought the Battle of Jericho” as a tribute to the servicemen and women.
Finally, Ms. Ransom thanked the volunteers in the community, Johnetta R. Cole Post24 members, JROTC, The Erie County Sherriff Dept. Buffalo & Erie County Library’s Book Mobile, The Alzheimer’s Association and the local Veterans Admin istration for coming out to show their support.