The Bud Billiken Day Parade takes place on the second Saturday in August in order to kick off the school year. The parade was begun in 1929 by Robert S. Abbott who was the founder and publisher of the Chicago Defender newspaper. The parade symbolizes, "unity in diversity for the children of Chicago". Take a moment to look at the crowds in 2003 of Black Chicagoans enjoying a multi-generational celebration that has grown to be the second largest parade in the USA. Who do you recognize? Could it be a well known rapper, Black Veterans, Walt Disney, community organizers such as Jesse Jackson, the Nation of Islam,WGCI Radio Station, The South Shore Drill Team and more? The campaign of Barack Obama was in full swing in 2003 with signs proclaiming him the next Senator of Illinois. If you recognize anyone in particular, please contact me and let's put names to these historic faces. All photos are 35mm black and white and color negative film photographs. Thank you and have a great day!
