Chicago came alive this past weekend for the 96th annual Bud Billiken Parade, a tradition that celebrates the city’s Black culture while marking the unofficial start of the school year, Block Club Chicago reports.
First held in 1929, the Bud Billiken Parade is recognized as the largest Black parade in the United States. Inspired by the “Bud Billiken” character created by the Chicago Defender newspaper, it began as a way to celebrate Black history and achievements. Over the decades, it has grown into a beloved August tradition that signals the return of the school year for many families.
For lifelong attendees like Carlette Bracey, who’s been coming since she was a little girl more than 50 years ago, the parade is more than just an event — it’s part of Chicago’s heartbeat.
“This is like a Black holiday,” she said. “This parade is known all over the world. It shows unity and the pride of Chicago. A Black pride of Chicago.”
This year’s festivities stretched along Martin Luther King Jr. Drive from 39th Street to 55th Place at Washington Park. The day was filled with music, floats, and community pride, alongside free resources like haircuts, hairstyling, and health screenings, making it a celebration of culture, community, and care.
Cover photo: Chicago’s Bud Billiken Parade Celebrates 96 Years as the Largest Black Parade in the Nation / Photo Credit: Bud Billiken Parade Website