Marchers, spectators celebrate the 55th annual African American Day Parade in Harlem
NEW YORK (WABC) -- The African American Day Parade (AADP) took to the streets in Harlem on Sunday in a celebration of Black culture and excellence.
Marchers and spectators celebrated the 55th anniversary of the parade, which ran along Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard between 111th Street and 137th streets.
A pre-parade show started at 11:00 a.m. on the historic 125th Street. A ribbon cutting and the parade followed starting at 12:30 p.m. ABC 7 New York is a proud sponsor of the African American Day Parade, and was excited to be a part of the action and stream the event live for viewers at home.
The highlight of the parade included watching participants as they host their specialized performances in front of the viewing stand at the Adam Clayton Powell Jr. State Office Building on 125th Street.
The theme of this year's parade was "Good Leaders = Good Government ... Vote," and honored those who have made key contributions to the African American community through their work in politics and government.
Several public officials served as grand marshals for the parade, including New York Attorney General Letitia James, New York Lt. Governor Antonio Delgato, New York State Sen. Cordell Cleare and New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams. Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson, NYC Council Member Yusef Salaam and NYS Assembly Member Stefani Zinerman also served as marshals for the event.
Parade chairman Yusuf Hasan sat down with Eyewitness News anchor and "Here and Now" host Sandra Bookman ahead of the event to discuss the significance of the parade.
"Our community has been under a lot of stress for years, and this parade is something that lifts our spirits," Hasan said. "The leaders and founders of this parade wanted to make sure that we highlight the absolute best of our community and commemorate our ancestors on this very special day."
ALSO WATCH | Here and Now 9/1/24: The 55th Annual African-American Day Parade
On the day before the parade, the AADP team hosted their second annual "Get Involved" Community Literacy, Health & Culture celebration. Events took place at the plaza of the State Office Building.
Other notable figures who took part in this year's festivities included Double Exposure group member James Burris, who is this year's parade announcer.
You can find more information about AADP's story and the parade on the African American Day Parade website.
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