Today we’d like to introduce you to Cliff Sparks.
Hi Cliff, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My journey started with a simple desire: to bring people together and make a difference in my community. Growing up, I saw firsthand the power of unity, support, and showing up for one another. As I got older, that passion turned into action. I began organizing small community events, cookouts, and gatherings—just trying to create safe, positive spaces where people could connect.
Over time, those small efforts grew into larger initiatives. I founded and became actively involved in organizations and efforts such as DFW Marketing & Eventz, N.I.I.C.E. (Neighbors Involved in Community Engagement) Nonprofit, Legendz BBQ Catering, and the Neighborhood Parade & Events Committee. What started as helping out and volunteering turned into leading major events such as the MLK Parade & Celebration, Juneteenth Parade & Taste of the Eastside, National Night Out, car shows, and community festivals across Fort Worth.
My heart has always been for the people. I believe in building, not breaking, and in creating opportunities that bring unity, pride, and positive energy into our neighborhoods. Every event, every partnership, and every initiative is about uplifting the community and showing what’s possible when we come together.
I am truly honored to have recently been recognized at the Tarrant County Commissioners Court by Commissioner Alisa Simmons for my work and commitment to the community. That recognition meant a great deal to me and reaffirmed why I do this work.
Today, I’m grateful to be known as a community organizer, entrepreneur, and servant leader. The journey hasn’t been easy—there have been setbacks, sacrifices, and long nights—but every challenge has shaped me. I’m proud of where I am, but even more excited about where we’re going. This is bigger than me. It’s about legacy, impact, and making sure our community continues to rise.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
No, it hasn’t been a smooth road, but it has definitely been a rewarding one. Like many entrepreneurs, I started with limited resources and had to wear multiple hats. With my catering business, there were challenges around funding, equipment, staffing, and building a steady client base. There were times I was cooking, delivering, marketing, and managing everything myself while still trying to grow my other ventures and serve the community.
I also faced moments where opportunities fell through, events didn’t go as planned, or people doubted the vision. Balancing catering jobs, community events, family life, and business growth was not easy, and burnout was real at times. But every challenge taught me discipline, patience, and resilience. I stayed focused, stayed consistent, and kept pushing forward. Those struggles shaped me into a stronger business owner and leader.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m Cliff Sparks, founder of the Neighborhood Parade & Events Committee and several community-focused brands including DFW Marketing & Eventz, Chef’s Corner Fort Worth, Vendor Market Fort Worth, Legendz BBQ Catering, and NIICE Inc. Everything we do is rooted in community, culture, and creating opportunities—especially on the Eastside of Fort Worth.
We’re known for producing impactful events like the MLK Parade & Celebration, Juneteenth Parade & Taste of the Eastside, Tay Day Parade, youth programs, car shows, vendor markets, and community festivals. We specialize in bringing people together through positive, family-friendly events that also create platforms for small businesses and young people to grow.
What sets us apart is that we’re not just event planners—we’re community builders. We focus on unity, youth development, economic empowerment, and bridging gaps between neighbors, organizations, and opportunities. I’m most proud that our brand stands for consistency, integrity, and real impact. People know when we’re involved, it’s going to be organized, purposeful, and for the people.
At the end of the day, our mission is simple: to uplift our community, support small businesses, invest in youth, and leave every neighborhood better than we found it.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was always a people person. I had a big heart, a lot of energy, and an even bigger personality. I was the kid who could walk into a room and make friends with anybody. I loved being around people, talking, laughing, and bringing others together. Even back then, I had a natural way of connecting with folks from all walks of life.
I was also protective and loyal. If you were my friend or family, I had your back—no questions asked. I didn’t like seeing people treated unfairly, and I was always the one trying to stand up for somebody, even when it wasn’t the easy thing to do.
Interest-wise, I was into cars, music, sports, and anything that involved community and movement. I loved being outside, being active, and being part of something bigger than myself. I didn’t like sitting still much—I always needed something going on. Looking back, that’s probably where my event-planning and community organizing spirit was born. I was wired to create moments, not just watch them.
I was also creative and entrepreneurial, even if I didn’t have the language for it at the time. I was always thinking of ideas, ways to make things better, ways to bring people together, and ways to hustle. I saw opportunities where others didn’t. That mindset never left me.
At the same time, I was resilient. Life wasn’t always easy, and I had to grow up in certain ways faster than I should have. But instead of breaking me, it shaped me. It gave me toughness, street smarts, and a deep understanding of people and struggle. I learned early how to navigate, adapt, and keep moving forward.
If I had to sum it up:
I was outgoing, loyal, protective, creative, community-minded, and driven—even as a kid. I didn’t know it then, but I was already becoming the man who builds platforms, creates opportunities, and brings people together.
Contact Info:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1CLgnEqwG1/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Other: 817-231-2214
