The Bud Billiken Parade, the largest, longest-running African American parade in the U.S., will take place on Saturday, August 12. This year’s 94th will kick off the school year with high energy and enthusiasm and be accompanied by a visual feast, courtesy of Art on The Mart. The parade pays homage to generations of families across the country who have participated since its inception and was founded by Chicago Defender publisher Robert Sengstacke Abbott in 1929.
The parade will feature contests in categories like Best Float and Best Dance Team allowing participants to showcase their unique talents. Bud Billiken has hosted several notable figures including Oprah Winfrey, President Truman, Duke Ellington, and President Obama (then Senator).
With live broadcast on ABC7 Chicago, the parade will be viewed and attended by over one million people. It stretches two miles down Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive, through the historic Bronzeville neighborhood, into Washington Park. The procession is led by a Grand Marshal, this year the Grammy Award-winning poet, J. Ivy, and a Royal Court.
The parade is produced in cooperation with Chicago’s Mayor’s Office, the Chicago Police Department, Chicago Fire Department, Chicago Park District and other city organizations. At the close of the parade, all attendees are welcomed to join in the post-parade festivities in the park.
More details here: https://www.budbillikenparade.org/
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