Comcast Celebrates Community Leadership at the 2026 Black Joy Parade

Oakland’s downtown streets came alive this weekend as more than 120,000 attendees gathered for the 9th annual Black Joy Parade, a signature Bay Area celebration honoring the vibrancy, creativity, and resilience of the Black community that Comcast has supported since its inception. Comcast and NBC Bay Area once again participated with their annual parade float, this year hosting Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee alongside the newly announced 2026 Icons Among Us honorees.

Ahead of the parade, Black Joy Parade and Comcast unveiled the 2026 Icons at an intimate community celebration at the downtown Oakland Xfinity Store. The preview event drew former Icons, community influencers, and city leaders, including Councilwoman Rowena Brown and Mayor Lee, who both spoke to Comcast’s longstanding commitment to uplifting local changemakers.

The Icons Among Us initiative, launched in 2021 in partnership with Comcast, highlights Oakland‑area leaders whose work embodies Black joy through service, innovation, and cultural contribution. This year’s honoree: Amelia Ashley‑Ward, Faye Carol, and Dr. Brandon Nicholson, represent the continued evolution of the program, now totaling 18 Icons recognized since its inception. Each honoree receives a $5,000 donation to direct a  nonprofit of their choice, reinforcing the program’s mission of community investment.

Ashley‑Ward, publisher of the historic Sun Reporter Publishing Company, has spent decades amplifying Black voices and preserving the legacy of the Black press. Carol, an acclaimed vocalist whose career spans more than 60 years across jazz, blues, gospel, and hip‑hop, continues to influence the next generation through her arts education work. Nicholson, CEO of The Hidden Genius Project, leads nationally recognized programs that empower youth in technology, entrepreneurship, and leadership.

On parade day, the Icons joined Comcast on the float before being formally recognized on the Main Stage, where Tracye Mingo, Vice President of Technical Operations for Comcast California introduced them before thousands of spectators. Rooted in community pride and cultural affirmation, this year’s Black Joy Parade—and the Icons Among Us celebration—highlighted the profound contributions of Oakland’s leaders and the collective joy that continues to move the city forward.