First Black Cheerleader’s Legacy Inspires ‘Sacramento Senior Spirit’ Cheer Squad for Retired Women

Patricia Cobbs, the first black cheerleader at Folsom High School, has lately embarked on a remarkable journey that transcends age. In a vibrant display of determination and unity, she founded the ‘Sacramento Senior Spirit’ cheerleading squad, a group that knows no bounds. Cobbs’ mission is to break down the barriers that once stood in her way, as she wishes to offer seniors an opportunity to rekindle their passion for cheerleading.

With a legacy that began 50 years ago, Patricia Cobbs became a trailblazer in her own right. She made history as the first Black cheerleader at Folsom High School, shattering unjustified norms. Patricia’s life journey was far from smooth, as she had courageously navigated several challenges of racial discrimination. Despite receiving phone calls expressing disapproval and encountering apprehensive peers, the cheerleading enthusiast held on to her dreams.  

Unconventional cheerleading group creates landmark 

The inception of ‘Sacramento Senior Spirit’ was a heartwarming tale inspired by the 2019 movie ‘Poms’, which revolves around a group of retired women. While the movie portrayed the group starting their own cheerleading squad, it inspired Patricia to prove her point. The theme struck a chord with Cobbs, who found herself at a crossroads while her daughters moved to Washington, D.C. during the pandemic. 

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Luckily, watching the portrayals of beautiful friendships formed in the film, her passion for bringing that same sense of camaraderie to Sacramento ignited in no time. Patricia wished to exhibit her ideas, showing everyone that there is more to people than their skin color. Soon, she took to social media to connect with like-minded women, starting a search for those who were willing to embark on this adventure. Her unwavering determination eventually led to the creation of distinctive uniforms.  

Reviving spirits with a cheerful legacy

The cheerleading group soon started performing at the St. Patrick’s Day marching event, along with a follow-up joining with the Black Cowboys Parade. Patricia’s initiative not only rekindled the spirit of cheering but also gave a new lease of life to many retired women. One of her former classmates, Marty McCants, who had been battling depression after a recent stroke, reportedly found solace in the joyful venture. Gradually, they reunited and expanded the squad, with 11 fully-active cheerleaders who shared a bond that went beyond their age.

McCants described Cobbs as ‘the cheerleader’ during their high school days, sharing her surprise at getting reunited through a Facebook post. The cheerleading squad had transformed McCants’s social life, taking her to a place where she now had friends for a lifetime. Cobbs’ dedication to the cheer squad had also earned her the affectionate nickname of ‘the dragon lady’, which settled due to her relentless perseverance. While many cheerleaders were exhausted by the end of these performances, watching the tapes always revealed their renewed joy. 

Patricia Cobbs’s vision helped in building this uncommon cheerleading group, which found happiness in their acts, as they continued cherishing every moment of the choreography. With such diverse backgrounds, these die-hard cheerleaders have already encapsulated the spirit of resilience and unity. 

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