NATCHEZ — For participants in this year’s Black History Month parade one thing was certain — this year’s parade was special.

Almost everyone at the parade, from the riders to those lining the streets, agreed President Obama’s recent election gave this year’s parade significance and renewed meaning.

Georgia Oliver, a member of the Vidalia Chapter of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, said she felt a spirit of renewal at this year’s parade as she prepared to march through Natchez.

“It’s wonderful to be able to celebrate this,” she said. “We have a black President and that brings a whole new significance.”

Oliver said she feels Obama’s election has also served to show the country’s younger generations that anything is possible.

“People have been inspired and re-inspired,” she said.

Parade organizer Darrell White said he recognized the significance of the day and also believed the parade to be a unique opportunity for all of the area’s youth.

“This is an opportunity for the children of the community to be exposed to the figures that shaped our nation’s rich African-American history and heritage,” he said.

On the corner, Bradley Norman waited for his daughter to pass by in the parade and took time to reflect on the day.

“It’s terrific,” he said. “(Obama) is the first African American-President. It really shows how far this country has come. A lot of people knew this change was coming, and change is good.”