Thousands of revelers gathered in Harlem on Sunday for the 56th Annual African American Day Parade (AADP).
The parade route stretched along Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard from 111th Street to 137th Street, featuring marching bands, community organizations, performance groups, floats, fraternities and sororities, civil servants, celebrities, and public leaders. The event was live-streamed by WABC 7.
This year’s theme—“Education is Our #1 Priority”—highlighted the importance of civic engagement. Parade officials honored college presidents from historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), local principals and education leaders who have made significant contributions to the African American community.
Among the grand marshals was Dr. Tony Allen, president of Delaware State University; Dr. Martin Lamelle Jr., president of Grambling State University; and Dr. Patrice Ramsey, president of Medgar Evers College.
Photo by Cyril Josh Barker
Additional grand marshals include Sandra Bookman, anchor of Eyewitness News on ABC7/WABC-TV; WBLS 107.5 FM radio personality Dr. Bob Lee; Joy Bivins, director of the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture; and the founder and CEO of the Make the Grade Foundation.
Local school principals will also serve as marshals: Dr. Shawn F. Brown, principal of Uniondale High School on Long Island; Francina Yaw-Costello, principal of Amber Charter School in Inwood; and Jean E. Jeanty, principal of Pugsley Preparatory Academy Middle School in the Bronx.
The celebration began on Saturday with the third annual “Get Involved: Community Literacy, Health & Culture” event at the State Office Building Plaza on 125th Street and Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard. The program offered free books, community resources, and live performances.