More About Bud Billiken Parade - Chicago
The Bud Billiken® Parade, the largest African American parade in the United States,
spans generations of families across the country who have participated since its inception. With education as its foundation, the parade takes place at the close of summer—Bud Billiken® kicks off the school year with high energy and enthusiasm.
The parade features 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). At the close of the parade, all attendees are welcomed to join in the post-parade festivities in the park.
With live broadcast on ABC7 Chicago, the parade is 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 and Royal Court (youth recipients to a Week of Fun as essay winners).
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.
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The Bud Billiken® Parade is more than a procession of bands and floats marching down King Drive, it’s a commemoration of our past and a celebration of our future. Every summer since 1929, “The Bud” has united African-Americans throughout the city of Chicago in music, dance, food, and laughter. It’s one of the only spaces where we can openly and emphatically praise the historic roots that plant us into the South Side of Chicago.
This year’s parade represents more than the entertainment that it offers. Today, the 93 year tradition is historically the second largest parade in the United States next to the Rose Bowl. Abbott’s mission for the betterment of Chicago's youth, and to sound the clarion call for "Back to School," continues through the 4th generation leadership of his great - grandniece and the Chicago Defender Charities, Inc., President and CEO, Myiti Sengstacke-Rice. The Bud Billiken® parade is unique in that it is both historic and filled with the currency of youthful enthusiasm. The parade has inspired generations nationwide and continues to uplift our community.
spans generations of families across the country who have participated since its inception. With education as its foundation, the parade takes place at the close of summer—Bud Billiken® kicks off the school year with high energy and enthusiasm.
The parade features 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). At the close of the parade, all attendees are welcomed to join in the post-parade festivities in the park.
With live broadcast on ABC7 Chicago, the parade is 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 and Royal Court (youth recipients to a Week of Fun as essay winners).
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.
==========================
The Bud Billiken® Parade is more than a procession of bands and floats marching down King Drive, it’s a commemoration of our past and a celebration of our future. Every summer since 1929, “The Bud” has united African-Americans throughout the city of Chicago in music, dance, food, and laughter. It’s one of the only spaces where we can openly and emphatically praise the historic roots that plant us into the South Side of Chicago.
This year’s parade represents more than the entertainment that it offers. Today, the 93 year tradition is historically the second largest parade in the United States next to the Rose Bowl. Abbott’s mission for the betterment of Chicago's youth, and to sound the clarion call for "Back to School," continues through the 4th generation leadership of his great - grandniece and the Chicago Defender Charities, Inc., President and CEO, Myiti Sengstacke-Rice. The Bud Billiken® parade is unique in that it is both historic and filled with the currency of youthful enthusiasm. The parade has inspired generations nationwide and continues to uplift our community.
Date & Time
August 13, 2022
10:00am - 5:00pm
Location
Billiken Parade Street
King Drive
Chicago, IL
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