Founded in 1929, it’s the largest African-American parade in the U.S. and aims “to provide underprivileged youth with the chance to be in the limelight,” according to the parade’s website. This year’s theme is “Uniting The Community Through Education For 87 Years.”
“The goal is get students excited and to let them know the community supports them in getting their education,” said Kristal Davis, spokeswoman for Chicago Defender Charities, which organizes the parade.
Katherine Branch, director of special projects in the Offices of Public Engagement and Intergovernmental Affairs at the White House is this year’s grand marshal. Event organizers will host an awards ceremony at a later date for the best floats and performances of the parade, Davis said.
Parade organizers limited the number of participant groups to 175 in the hopes of cutting the event’s length down from its usual six hours. They are also enforcing a cap on the number of people per group at 100, prompting one of the best-known drill teams, the South Shore Drill Team, to opt out.
Up to 300 groups — including people on floats, drill teams and marching bands — have participated in recent years. Chicago Defender Charities received numerous complaints about the length of the event, leaving it no choice but to reduce the number of participants to 175, officials said.
What time should I get there
The event begins Saturday at 9 a.m. More than 1 million people are expected to show up, so get there early to find a good spot along the 2-mile parade route.
Where should I watch from?
The parade route begins at King Drive and Oakwood Boulevard and continues south on King to 51st Street before pivoting into Washington Park. The route ends at Garfield Boulevard and Ellsworth Drive.
How should I get there?
Parking is limited. Carpool if you can, or take public transportation. CTA is increasing service for the event. The Green Line is your best bet; exit at the 43rd Street, 47th Street or 51st Street stops and walk east toward the route. If you’re taking the Red Line, exit at the 47th Street stop. Take the No. 47 bus east and get off at Prairie Avenue; the parade is two blocks east.
What is unique about this year’s event?
For the first time in decades, the South Shore Drill Team will skip the event, citing issues with a 100-person cap on the number of participants per group. Sara Vlajcic, the team’s administrative director, said Wednesday that the team didn’t want to pick and choose which children could participate in the event.
“The kids were disappointed. But they did understand our reasoning,” she said. “It’s not our event. They set the rules so I understand.”
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Sources: Bud Billiken Parade, Tribune reporting
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