Thousands shows up for 55th Annual African-American Day Parade in Harlem
NEW YORK -- The African-American Day Parade on Sunday celebrated nearly six decades of tradition.
Dancing its way up from 111th to 137th streets, the parade considers Harlem, itself, as the mecca of African-American culture.
The parade is held every third Sunday in September and goes up Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard, which is named after the U.S. representative of Harlem from the mid 1940s to early 1970s. This year's theme was "Good leaders equal good government ... vote."
"It gets even more important when you see what's going on nationally. The way that you have people trying to divide folks or other-izing folks. So people have even more of a duty to step up and say not only are we here, but we're the reason the country is the way it is," Public Advocate Jumaane Williams said.
This year's grand marshals included Mayor Eric Adams and state Attorney General Letitia James, among several other honorary guests. Organizers describe it as an incredible display of Black culture and excellence.
The parade is "nothing but greatness"
Many attendees said they have been making it a tradition to go to the parade every single year -- some since it started 55 years ago.
"I'm about that age. I know I don't look it," said Neil Woodies of Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. "[The parade] is nothing but greatness. Our people coming together, doing together what we need to do as a people -- stay strong, unite. That's what it's all about."
The Pan-African red, black, and green flags waved, symbolizing Black liberation and unity, values 10-year-old Alasia Simms appreciates as she attended her first parade.
"I think it's nice how we get to learn about our culture more, for all the people who helped us and fight for us," Simms said.
"It's just a day of unity, a day of fun, a day of celebration," resident Denise Garner said.
Neighbor Ruth Valentine said the display of Black excellence has made her come back every year for five decades.
"The love of Harlem. Harlem changed a lot, but it's still love," Valentine said.
