It was a wet, dreary day for sure but marchers, floats, music, culture and an army of onlookers and spectators were just as present as they would have been if the skies were clear at the 57th Annual African American Day Parade in Harlem on Sept. 20.
“Everyone loves the African American Day parade. We don’t let no rain stop us,” said Jackie Rowe-Adams, co-founder of Harlem Mothers and Fathers S.A.V.E., and a parade Marshal. “The African American Day Parade is what brings everybody together. And this is what we have to continue to do is to bring the community together,” Adams emphasized.
A man on the mount Sinai float pointing to the crowd during the African American Day Parade (Credit: Nafissatou Yattassaye Gambling State’s marching band member at the start of the parade 
A lady on the Schomburg float holding the Pan-African Flag 
The Gotham Health and Hospitals float NYPD officer on duty during the rainy Sunday Afternoon Yusef Salam on a float at the African American Day Parade Apollo Amateur night awardee Cruz Angel A member of the Mark Levine float A child enjoying being a part of the African American Day Parade 
Slyvia Alston at the African American Day Parade
The pre-show included performances from Mariah Rae, Taylor Lovett, Kalvin Kristi, Ada Don, Descendent, Aisha Jackson, PETAWANE, and Cruz Angel, the 2024 Apollo Amateur award winner. The Apollo also received its community institution award, kicking off the main event.
Drawing as many as 900,000 people, the parade’s theme, “Good Businesses Sustain Our Future,” highlighted Black-owned businesses and community leaders. It featured more than 35 floats, 300 performances, marching units, and community organizations, including the return of the Grambling State University “World-Famed” Tiger Marching Band for its 100th anniversary.
Dr. Nikole Roebuck, band director for Grambling State, told AmNews her band was prepared to “show up and show out” rain or not, emphasizing the momentous occasion.
Man holding the Pan-African flag”(Credit: Mali Gibbs) 
Brother Zayid & The National Alumni Association of The Black Panther” 
“Chief Akinrogun” 
“The Bronx G.E.M.S dance team ” 
“NYC Manhattan Community Board 10 float” 
“NYC Sheriff Edwin Raymond” 
“Young girl waving flag with the DSNY” 
“Men of the Abu Bekr Temple” 
“The Firefighters of FDNY Engine 234/Ladder 123/Battalion 38” 
Ribbon cutting from the 2026 Grand Marshals
Harlem resident, Honorary guest, and longtime parade attendee Sylvia Alston, 92, also reflected on the importance of the event.
“I have been at this parade every year; this is a very special moment to me,” Alston said.
For spectators and volunteers, the parade was about more than the performances and floats. Millie Cruz, 70, a longtime attendee since the age of 2 and volunteer for the senior section, says she enjoys being able to serve others.
“I love it because I love serving people, especially the elderly. But, I have so much fun, and we got to support each other.”
Highlighting Black representation
Grand Marshals from Micheal Preston to Chef Charles Gabriel, J.Alexander Martin, and Cheryl Mckissack Daniel walked across the two mile strip engaging with fans and the people they give back too. Marshals and Honorary guests also joined in the parade embracing the community they serve.
From there on out Black Greek-letter organizations, marching bands, community organizations, and businesses filled the streets of Harlem handing out stickers, pins, and pamphlets providing resources and cards. For Hasan, the event represents the importance of keeping the community connected and alive.
“It’s the spirit of our people that we want to keep up. Our people have been through a lot. I want to be clear: the giants stand on our shoulders,” he shared.
The parade also brought together businesses and organizations that provided information and resources to the community. Sponsors included ABC7 who livestreamed the parade, the Apollo Theater, Northwell Health, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Mount Sinai Health System, TWU Local 100, the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, NAACP, WBLS, Aloft Harlem and others.
Yusuf Hasan, chairman of the African American Parade Committee peered through the raindrops and was apparently pleased that it didn’t hold anything back.
“Rain did not stop our ancestors. They did not stop civil rights. So, we’re not going to let a little rain stop us from marching and keeping the parade going.”
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