Held the first Saturday in February, the Ethnic History Parade & Gospel Soiree Festival celebrates Black History Month and recognizes many of the significant contributions of African Americans and other ethnicities. The purpose of the celebration is to educate, entertain and celebrate the achievements of these individuals.

The parade begins at noon at Hampton and Harden streets, continues to Green St. and culminates at Martin Luther King Jr. Park, 2300 Green St. Members of the South Carolina Conference of Black Mayors Association will serve as this year's grand marshals. Following the parade, free health screening will be offered inside the park's community center. Vendors, the City of Columbia mayor and representatives from local, city and county agencies and private organizations will be present.