“It is with profound sadness that we announce a founding member and chair emeritus of the African American Day Parade, Abraham Snyder, passed away on February 3, 2023,” reported Yusuf Hasan, current chair of the parade. “He dedicated his life’s work to uplifting the African American community and organizing the African American Day Parade since 1968.”
Snyder was an iconic figure and native Harlemite who took pride in bringing African culture to Harlem every year since the parade began in 1969. His reach throughout Black America has bought countless African American performers from marching bands, fraternity groups, community activists, elected officials, celebrities, and community supporters to the heart of the Black Mecca—the village of Harlem.
Snyder was a respected and humble man who took seriously the importance of being Black in America. “We were so sick and tired of having negative press that we started the parade to deal with dignity and pride of the Black community,” Snyder said in a 2006 statement on the parade website.
“My father was a humble man, he never looked for praise or accolades,” said his daughter Sheila. “He was a role model, a hard worker, and he instilled in us to put God first, family, and the love of our people.”
Notable African American leaders such as Adam Clayton Powell Jr., Shirley Chisholm, Muhammad Ali, Spike Lee, Rubie Dee, Ossie Davis, Joe Frazier, Melba Moore, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Rev. Al Sharpton, Doug E. Fresh, Hafeez Muhammad, former NYC Mayor David Dinkins, former U.S. Representative Charles Rangel, current NYC Mayor Eric Adams, Imam Warith Deen Muhammad, the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan, and countless others have known Abe Snyder and graced the African Day Parade since its inception.
Harlem leaders and supporters mourn this humble giant, who died on the third day of Black History Month due to his struggles with Alzheimer’s for over two years. He leaves behind two children, Sheila and David; one granddaughter, Jasmine Robinson; one great-grandson, Akil Robinson; and a host of family and friends from the Harlem community.
The funeral was held on February 17, 2023, at Mount Olivet Baptist Church, with Reverend Charles Curtis officiating.
The 54th African American Day Parade in September will be dedicated to Chair Emeritus Abe Snyder.
