It may surprise some people to learn that one in four cowboys in the Old West was Black. For the past four-plus decades, the Oakland Black Cowboy Association has been celebrating the contributions made by cowboys of color and spreading the word about their rich history — which is often neglected by history books — through dances, speaking engagements, and community events. Their annual parade and heritage festival, held every first Saturday of October, is a family-friendly celebration, with a parade through West Oakland (beginning and ending at DeFremery Park), as well as food vendors, live music, and information booths. Dust off your cowboy boots and join the festivities! — Azucena Rasilla
Saturday Oct. 7, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., DeFremery Park, 1651 Adeline St., Oakland, BlackCowboyAssociation.org