The 49th annual African-American Parade marched through the mecca of Black U.S.A. on Sunday hundreds of participants followed a mile-long route through a key stretch of the historic community of Harlem. Parade dignitaries included former New York City Mayor David N. Dinkins, the Big Apple’s first Black mayor, and retired Congressman Charles Rangel — both longtime Harlem residents.
While the parade took place in Manhattan, marchers from across the city came to Harlem to ring in the yearly occasion that celebrates one of the oldest Black communities in the country.
This year’s parade theme was “Culture is Key” and, according to the official website, honored “individuals and organizations that have made key contributions to furthering the dignity, determination and excellence of African American Community & Culture, in the fields of dance, theater, music, movies & Film, television, broadcasting, literature, fashion, technology, sports and more.”
The Clark Atlanta University Mighty Marching Panthers led the parade, the lone HBCU marching band to participate in the parade. Radio personality Tom Joyner and hip-hop legend Doug E. Fresh were among the parade’s grand marshals this year, according to the Amsterdam News.
“This is a full-circle moment because it is an honor to be able to represent one of the oldest ethnic groups in the country and, of course, in New York City,” Cheryl Wills, a local TV news anchor and another of the grand marshals, said Sunday.
The parade went north on Adam, Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard, also known more familiarly as Seventh Avenue, from 111th street to 136th street.
“The African American Day Parade (AADP) is held every third Sunday in September and it is the most renowned African American parade in the country, with the largest cross-section of participants, including community & political leaders, community-based & religious organizations, civil servants, celebrities, fraternities & sororities, marching bands, dance ensembles and many more, with a viewing of over 900,000 attendees along the parade route,” according to the official description of the parade. “We are considered a National Parade, with more than 200 participating organizations from over 12 states and many countries throughout the diaspora.”
Scroll through the pictures below to see African-American Parade marchers in all of their red, black and green splendor.
Pictures From The 49th Annual African-American Parade Marching Through Harlem was originally published on newsone.com
1.
African American Day Parade with these legends!!! #Harlem #AfricanAmericanDayParade2018 pic.twitter.com/LY9mlXAkEB
— Senator Brian Benjamin (@NYSenBenjamin) September 16, 2018
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It brings me such joy to march in the African American Day Parade — with every step we celebrate the history and culture I love on the same streets where my great grandmother walked. pic.twitter.com/x58vfgNiJc
— Chirlane McCray (@NYCFirstLady) September 16, 2018
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Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. metro chapters celebrating our culture at the 49th African American Day Parade! #CultureIsKey #DeltaIsCulture #AADPInc #dstnyac #DSTSisterhood #DST1913 pic.twitter.com/1JaG1afbzm
— New York Alumnae Chapter (NYC) (@dstnyac) September 17, 2018
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At the African American Day Parade in Harlem with my mom ☺️ pic.twitter.com/fUd0CdDlpn
— Madina Touré (@madinatoure) September 16, 2018
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The wait is almost over‼️ The 49th Annual African American Day Parade is going down in Harlem tomorrow Sunday September 16th! Be sure to be there at 1 pm SHARP to catch must see opening performances. We hope to see you all there! #CultureIsKey #aadpinc pic.twitter.com/7ZNhVMFSUU
— African American Day Parade (@aadpinc) September 16, 2018
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#Black Lion Tish James at the African American Day Parade. pic.twitter.com/5uQOVBeLPs
— Columbia BAC (@columbiaBAC) September 16, 2018
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Feelin’ the love up in #Harlem at the African American Day Parade this afternoon.
— Jumaane Williams (@JumaaneWilliams) September 16, 2018
People out here are celebrating all that our community has accomplished - and looking to how much more is left to be done #AADP2018 pic.twitter.com/ijdLMJyqco
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The renowned African American Day Parade in Harlem celebrated 49 years and NYSNA is here with more than 200 participating organizations from over 12 states, as well as from other countries. pic.twitter.com/OiBQ1NDn22
— NYSNA (@nynurses) September 16, 2018
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I want to thank all my fellow #NYPD brothers and sisters for coming out and marching with me at the 49th annual African American day parade. #aadp2018 pic.twitter.com/vBl2TAesIe
— Chief Juanita Holmes (@NYPDChiefPatrol) September 16, 2018
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Our Soror TaShana Pace celebrating at the African American Day Parade#ZPBDMZ#LetsWork#AfricanAmericanDayParade2018 pic.twitter.com/FEE7wczZKc
— Delta Mu Zeta (@DeltaMuZeta1950) September 16, 2018
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African American Day Parade!!! Let’s Celebrate Heritage & Culture #Together #Harlem @TishJames @rubendiazjr @IDaneekMiller @Vanessalgibson @RobertCornegyJr pic.twitter.com/wCUF4mPdSG
— Adrienne Adams (@AdrienneEAdams) September 16, 2018
13.
The wait is almost over‼️ The 49th Annual African American Day Parade is going down in Harlem tomorrow Sunday September 16th! Be sure to be there at 1 pm SHARP to catch must see opening performances. We hope to see you all there! #CultureIsKey #aadpinc pic.twitter.com/7ZNhVMFSUU
— African American Day Parade (@aadpinc) September 16, 2018
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Yesterday we supported the African-American Heritage Day Parade in Elizabeth, County of Union, New Jersey.
— County Commissioner Sergio Granados (@UC_Granados) September 17, 2018
A great showing of residents, elected officials, organizations, and first responders.#unioncounty #freeholder #movingforward #parade #sunday pic.twitter.com/oXflLS2DmB
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#WBLS is one of the sponsors of the African American parade. That's Tom Joyner in the red car😀 pic.twitter.com/dP6yrWBoYS
— Lady Jaye (@prettyjackie) September 17, 2018
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African American Day parade. Food is in Malcolm X Blvd. pic.twitter.com/18zBhsGEtN
— Ms Henry (@MsHenry4) September 16, 2018
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Gorgeous day for African American parade. pic.twitter.com/CjQCMwBS3y
— April Dixon🌍🇺🇸 (@NYCbus) September 16, 2018