Desegregation-themed participant allowed into SoCal July 4 parade
By: Associated Press - | ∞
HUNTINGTON BEACH -- Organizers of the city's Fourth of July parade reversed their decision to exclude a vehicle that commemorates a landmark school desegregation ruling.
Filmmaker Sandra Robbie had applied to drive her bright orange vintage Volkswagen van in the parade in order to raise awareness about Mendez vs. Westminster School District, the 1947 court decision that ended segregation in California schools.
"There was incredible community support for this, and I think that's what helped (organizers) changed their minds," said Robbie, who met with organizers on Wednesday.
The eight-member parade board initially rejected Robbie's application on grounds that the vehicle lacked entertainment value.
Robbie, who produced an Emmy-winning documentary about Mendez, agreed to decorate her van with flags and streamers, in addition to the historical photos that already adorn the sides of the vehicle.
The famous beach community's parade runs from Pacific Coast Highway up Main Street to just past Yorktown Avenue.
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