https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bud_Billiken_Parade_and_Picnic
The
Bud Billiken Parade and Picnic is an annual
parade held since 1929 in
Chicago, Illinois. The Bud Billiken Day Parade is the largest
African-American parade in the United States of America. Held annually on the second Saturday in August,
[4][5] The parade route travels on Dr. Martin Luther King Drive through the
Bronzeville and
Washington Park[6] neighborhoods on the city's south side. At the end of the parade, in the historic
Washington public park is a picnic and festival.
Robert S. Abbott, the founder and publisher of the
Chicago Defender, created the fictional character of Bud Billiken, which he featured in as youth advice column in his paper. David Kellum, co-founder of the
Bud Billiken Club and longtime parade coordinator
[7][8][9] suggested the parade as a celebration of African-American life.
Since its beginning, the parade has featured celebrities, politicians, businessmen, civic organizations and youth. It is considered the second largest parade in the United States,
[10][11][12][13][14] whose focus is on celebrating youth, education and African-American life. The parade is also cited as the "back-to-school" celebration, marking the end of summer vacation and resuming of school for Chicago's youth.
[15][16][17]
© Diane Alexander White PHOTOGRAPHY
