The annual Black History Month parade in New Bern is set to return Saturday, Feb. 21, marking its 10th year in the community.

The parade is organized by Vision Forward, a nonprofit founded by Victor Taylor. This year’s event will feature a new theme focused on cancer awareness, highlighting the importance of early screening and education.

Taylor said the parade will recognize awareness for multiple types of cancer, including prostate, breast, colon and throat cancer. Participants and floats will feature colors associated with different cancers, including light blue for prostate cancer and pink for breast cancer.

Taylor, a prostate cancer survivor, said the theme is personal and intended to encourage regular health screenings.

Organizers expect approximately 1,000 participants in this year’s parade, similar to last year’s turnout. The event traditionally draws large crowds along the parade route, with floats, vehicles, dancers, majorettes and live music.

The parade lineup will begin at 10 a.m., with the parade stepping off at noon. The staging area will be located at the corner of Third Avenue and Broad Street.

The parade route will travel down Broad Street, turn left onto George Street, then continue to Cedar Street, beginning and ending in residential neighborhoods.

Vision Forward has organized the parade annually for the past decade, with organizers saying community support has helped the event continue to grow.