The Legacy of the African American Day Parade in Harlem

by A Collier
african american day parade

The Legacy of the African American Day Parade in Harlem

This Sunday, September 19th, is the African American Day Parade in Harlem. This year, the parade celebrates 52 years in the Harlem community. Tune in right here on HarlemAmerica.com! We will be live streaming the event starting at 12 pm EST.

african american day parade

This Sunday, September 19th, is the African American Day Parade in Harlem. This year, the parade celebrates 52 years in the Harlem community. Tune in right here on HarlemAmerica.com! We will be live streaming the event starting at 12 pm EST.

This Sunday, September 19th, is the African American Day Parade in Harlem. This year, the parade celebrates 52 years in the Harlem community. The theme for 2021 is “Education Is the Foundation,” honoring people who have “contributed to the African American community in the field of Education,” according to the AADP website.

If you want to check out this year’s celebration, tune in right here on HarlemAmerica.com! We will be live streaming the event starting at 12 pm EST.

The African American Day Parade in Harlem has a long history, so let’s get into it.

History of the African American Day Parade

The African American Day Parade was founded in 1968 by the Afro-American Day and United Federation of Black Community Organizations. Thirteen organizers came together to try and fill a need for “positive representation of the African American community.”

The very first parade was held Sunday, September 21, 1969 and since then, it’s been held every year in the third Sunday in September.

Significance and Symbolism

The AADP chose its parade starting place to be Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd because of its historical significance in Black culture. It was the geographical heart of the Harlem Renaissance.

The African American Day Parade was started just one year after the Civil Rights Act of 1968 was passed. And the parade made history in 1975 as its audience grew to more than 900,000 viewers, making it one of the largest Black American culture parades.

Legacy

Throughout the history of the parade, AADP, Inc. was not only a source of entertainment and a celebration of Black culture, but it was also a force for change and Black empowerment. In 1980, AADP launched a voter registration drive during their 12th parade to educate Black citizens on the voter registration process.

In 1985 and 1986, AADP dedicated its 17th and 18th parades to shedding light and bringing awareness to the anti-Apartheid movement.

In 1989, iconic filmmaker Spike Lee, who makes it a point to explore race relations, colorism, and media in contemporary life, and urban issues in his films, was one of the parade Grand Marshalls.

And in 2019, the AADP made history as one of the largest and oldest celebrations of black American Culture.

The parade has a long and storied legacy of bringing attention to Black issues and voices across many cultures, industries, and social justice movements.

The Future of the AADP

The African American Day Parade’s mission is “to highlight African American culture, heritage, and unity; showcase the best and brightest of our community and commemorate the legacy of our ancestors.”

You can watch the diverse voices and celebrations of the 51st African American Day Parade in its entirety here. And don’t forget to tune in to the 52nd AADP this Sunday, September 19th!

The Legacy of Black Voices

The African American Day Parade is a celebration of Black power, a day to remember how far our culture and our people have come. If you want to see more about the AADP, check out their YouTube channel. You can watch past parades, performances, and more.

The legacy of black voices is evident in our Black leaders, lawyers, realtors, celebrities, coaches, and entrepreneurs. And HarlemAmerica wants to partner with you to help drive fame, fortune, and followers to your brand.

Check out our website to learn more about our small business membership packages.

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