Bud Billiken Parade Marches Through Bronzeville To Celebrate Going Back To School
CHICAGO (CBS) -- The 86th annual Bud Billiken Parade, which aims to help students get ready to go back to school, was making its way down King Drive through the Bronzeville neighborhood Saturday morning.
The theme of this year's parade is "Education: It's An Order," a salute to Col. Eugene Scott, the president of Chicago Defender Charities, which organizes the parade. Scott is retiring, after nearly 20 years leading the nation's oldest and largest African American parade.
"My concern continues to be about the young people. The state of where we are now is just not what I want to see, and I want this parade to continue to influence the elevation of the youth in the black community," Scott said.
Though he'll no longer be heading up the parade after this year, Scott said he'll continue to keep "a big hand" in the annual event.
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U.S. Rep. Danny Davis (D-Ill.), like many other politicians, rode in the parade in the back of a convertible.
"There are thousands and thousands of young people out here. If we can get the message to them that it's all about education, then it's been a great day for a great parade," Davis said.
Former Gov. Pat Quinn also marched in the parade, and noted the importance of emphasizing education.
"I haven't been here for all 86 years, but I've been here for many, and I think it's real important for children; making sure they go back to school ready to learn," he said. "It's important, also, because the parade raises money for scholarships to help kids go to college; and college affordability is a big issue."
The parade and Bud Billiken Picnic at Washington Park are also a fundraiser to provide school supplies, which are given away at the picnic.
The parade kicked off at 10 a.m. at 41st Street and King Drive, and continued south on King Drive to Garfield Boulevard, for the picnic in Washington Park.
