- Credibility:
ENGLEWOOD — The city’s second-oldest black parade is back to get kids excited for the upcoming school year — and give away a whole lot of school supplies.
The 57th annual Englewood Back To School Parade kicks off Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at 56th and Halsted streets.
West Side hip-hop artist El Hitta, known for his hit single “Aww Yeah,” will serve as this year’s Grand Marshal.
The parade route begins at 56th and Halsted, going south on Halsted to 63rd Street, then heading west to Racine Avenue to 65th Street, ending at Ogden Park.
Originally called the Central Englewood Drum and Bugle Corps, creator Willie Pitman expanded the event in 1963, providing neighborhood youth an positive alternative to gangs.
According to parade organizers, 3,500 backpacks and school supplies were given to 8,000 attendees at last year’s event.
Parade sponsors include We R Englewood, Forman Mills, Family Focus and I & S Liquors.
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