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. Organizers describe it as an incredible display of Black culture and excellence.
This year's grand marshals included Mayor Eric Adams and state Attorney General Letitia James, among several other honorary guests, and 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.
Each year, the parade brings together bands and dancers, youth groups and local leaders to celebrate Harlem's history as a beacon for Black people around the world.
But new this year, before the parade, organizers threw a Get Involved literacy, health and cultural event Saturday. The event connected the community to dozens of resources, including a Black farmers market, at the Adam Clayton Powell state office building plaza.
"No matter who moves in, we accept everyone in this community," said parade chairman Yusuf Hasan, "but remember, we also have a special place here in this city, and especially in Harlem."
Also for the first time this year, the parade will induct five people as honorary lifetime Grand Marshals for their service. They include Charles Rangel, Inez Dickens, Hazel Dukes, Cynthia Smith and Rev. Al Sharpton.
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.
Street closures for 2024 African-American Day Parade in NYC
The parade started at 12:30 p.m. Sunday and marched along Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard from 111th to 136th street.
Drivers were advised to expect delays and the following street closures around the area:
Formation:
- Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard between West 110th Street and West 114th Street
- West 110th Street - West 115th Street between Frederick Douglass Blvd & Lenox Avenue
- St. Nicholas Avenue between West 113th Street and West 114th Street
Route:
- Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd. between West 111th Street & West 136th Street
Dispersal:
- Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd between West 136th Street and West 142nd Street
- West 135th -West 137th Street between Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd & Lenox Avenue
- Lenox Avenue between West 136th Street and West 139th Street
Miscellaneous:
- West 126th Street between Lenox Avenue and Fredrick Douglass Boulevard
- West 125th Street between Lenox Avenue and Fredrick Douglass Boulevard
- Fredrick Douglass Blvd. between West 127th Street and West 128th Street
- Lenox Avenue between West 132nd Street and West 133rd Street
- Lenox Avenue between West 136th Street and West 140th Street
- St. Nicholas Avenue between Adam Clayton Powell Blvd. and West 115th Street
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