Virginia State U Taking Over
Written by: Albert Terc
Photos by: Albert Terc and Aluche_Events
An amazing tribute of the contributions of African American culture was on full display for an historic event. The 50th anniversary of the African American Day Parade was celebrated on Adam Clayton Powell Jr Blvd. with lots of joyous spirit and high energy. A stage was set up on 125th St. where parade VIPs and dignitaries set up for a day of praise and glory to all things African American. Legendary singer Melba Moore sang Lift Every Voice and Sing at the staging area to get the festivities started. Local politicians and community groups made their voices known of the gains made by the community and struggles that they still face.
Melba Moore Paying Tribute to the Parade
NYS Attorney General Leticia James with the Children
Charles Rangel and former Mayor David Dinkins
Keeping true to the original parade in 1969, the parade serves as a means to bring about unity and spread the word on movements and empowerment. This years theme was Integrity and Transparency = Good Government. Locally, there is no better example than current NYS Attorney General Leticia James. She was having a great time with the little and big kids in Harlem. Former Mayor Dinkins and former US Congressman Charles Rangel were having a fun time. Local Unions sent their 1199 SEIU Black Lives Matter dancers to get the crowd worked up. Two notable marching bands were from Uniondale High School in Long Island and the high powered Virginia State University Trojan Explosion Marching Band.
AKA In The House
Young Swag
Putting On the Best Show
All the major sororities and fraternities were present to show off their moves. The Green and Pink AKAs were having fun in their line dance. Representing Baltimore were perennial favorites Dynasty Marching Unit and Mass Destruction Marching Unit. They were real good. Kicking down the doors were the Baltimore All Stars Marching Unit. They always bring the most energy and have the best moves. I look forward to them each year as they continue to raise the bar of excellence. The crowd gave them lots of love. If all the icons of African American society were looking down from above, they would be very happy with the unity and positive messages shared by all.
Photos by: Aluche_Events
See Ya Next Year
NYC Parade Life 
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