The 51st Annual African American Day Parade (AADP) set for September is going virtual this year due to COVID-19, according to organizers.
In a statement released Monday night, AADP chairman Yusuf Hasan said the decision about this year’s event was made based on the impact COVID-19 is having on the Black community, particularly on the elderly.
“We feel that hosting this year’s parade virtually is the best course of action we can take to ensure the safety of all participants, viewing audience, and staff,” Hasan said. “We greatly treasure the annual African American Day Parade and hope to return to our in-person celebration in 2021”.
The event will be hosted live across AADP’s online platforms including Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. This year’s parade will honor individuals and organizations that have made key contributions to the African American community through business as this year’s parade theme is “A Tribute to Black Business”.
The virtual parade is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 20 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Founded in 1968, the AADP brings out thousands of spectators to Harlem as the parade marches down Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard. Hundreds of groups participate in the parade including marching bands, civil rights organizations, fraternities, sororities, unions, youth groups and city officials.