In the wake of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s assassination, the Civil Rights Act of 1968 was FINALLY passed - and Black America, after a week of grief-stricken riots, had reason to celebrate. But how?
Two organizations would figure this out in the Black mecca of America, Harlem.
In that meeting, the Afro-American Day and United Federation of Black Community Organizations joined forces to establish a grand event that honored our ancestors, contributions, and endless achievements. Thus, the African-American Day Parade (AADP) was born.
For a year, 13 community leaders meticulously organized the celebration. And on Sunday, September 21, 1969, our people showed up STRONG to the first annual African-American Day Parade!
Under the year’s theme, “Africa’s Gift to America,” the Grambling State University Marching Band opened the event while none other than Shirley Chisholm and Adam Clayton Powell, Jr., served as Grand Marshals!
Children openly laughed! Adults cheered in gratitude! On the very streets they once marched in protest, they now marched in open celebration of Black community, heritage, and power.
For 50 years, the parade has persisted on every third Sunday in September. Hundreds of thousands of Black people gather to uplift the beauty and dignity of our people. Because even in the abyss of oppression, we must celebrate who we are - and we are amazing!