African American Day Parade facts for kids

The African American Day Parade is a big celebration held every September in Harlem, New York City. It's one of the largest parades of its kind in the United States. People from many different states come to join in the fun. The parade starts on West 110th Street and Lenox Avenue. It then moves north along Adam Clayton Powell Boulevard (also known as 7th Avenue). The parade finishes at West 136th Street.

African American Day Parade (2017)

A police band marches in the African American Day Parade (2017)

Who Joins the Parade?

Many different groups and people take part in the African American Day Parade. Participants come from all over New York City and other parts of the U.S. These groups include:

• Organizations that support Black men and women, like 100 Black Men of America and the National Coalition of 100 Black Women.
• Community groups such as the NAACP and the New York Urban League.
• Professional groups for engineers and accountants.
• Health groups like Spirit of Hope-Cancer Survivors and New York Black Nurses.
• Veteran groups, like the 369th Veterans' Association.
• Religious groups and social clubs.
• Colleges and labor unions.

History of the Parade

The African American flag, often called the RBG flag. Red stands for the blood of African Americans, black for the skin of African people, and green for the earth.

The African American Day Parade began in 1968. This was during the Civil Rights Movement, a time when people worked hard for equal rights for all. The main goal of the parade is to inspire African Americans to be strong and independent in their communities. This includes areas like business, education, health, arts, culture, and government.

Parade's Impact and Guests

The parade usually has a very large audience watching. Many important people attend, including:

• Well-known actors and celebrities.
• Music bands.
• Leaders from the community.
• Elected officials, like mayors and members of Congress.

Some famous people who have been Grand Marshals (special guests of honor) in the past include:

• Actor Denzel Washington.
• Congressman Adam Clayton Powell Jr..
• Former Mayor David Dinkins.
• Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm.
• Filmmaker Spike Lee.
• Actors Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee.

In 2020, because of world events, the parade was held online as a virtual event.