Today is the 96th Annual Bud Billiken Parade, the largest African-American parade in the United States, presented by Chicago Defender Charities.
With education as its foundation, the parade happens at the close of summer to kick off the school year with high energy and enthusiasm… the program awards scholarships and gives away school supplies.
The festivities began back in 1923 with the creation of the fictional Bud Billiken character by Robert Sengstacke Abbott, the founder of the Chicago Defender newspaper. The character was inspired by the Billiken, a good-luck charm believed to be a protector of children, which Abbott encountered at a Chinese restaurant.
This year’s Grand Marshal is actor and Harvey native LaRoyce Hawkins, star of Chicago P.D. and the Honorary Grand Marshal is Dr. Peggy Montes, founder of Bronzeville Children’s Museum.
The parade steps off at 10am from 35th & King Drive and will proceed south to 55th street for the festival in Washington Park. Watch the live 2-hour special broadcast of the parade on ABC7 Chicago from 10am-noon, also streaming live on abc7chicago.com.
& Remember to always celebrate your magic! xo