The Bud Billiken Parade Marks 94 Years Of Celebrating Black Chicago

BRONZEVILLE — Chicagoans from across the city and beyond came out to the 94th annual Bud Billiken Parade this weekend in Bronzeville.

This year the parade, which started at 10 a.m., spanned its traditional two miles, from 39th Street and King Drive to Washington Park at 5531 S. Martin Luther King Drive, where there were barbecues, picnics and back-to-school giveaways.

An early morning pre-parade breakfast was held at Mandrake Park for people who purchased tickets, while a barbecue luncheon was held at Washington Park from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

This year’s parade theme was “Parading in Peace Block by Block,” with Chicago poet J. Ivy serving as grand marshal. There were also performances from the Jesse White Tumblers, South Shore Drill Team, Empiire Dance Company and other dance groups.

Along the parade route on Saturday, Bronzeville residents cooked on grills, sold sno-cones, jumped rope and danced to tunes played by floats, including DJ Casper’s signature hit “Cha Cha Slide” following his recent death.

Several Bronzeville residents that live along the parade route set up chairs outside their homes and apartment buildings for front row seats to the festivities.

Bronzeville resident Jennifer Amicks, who annually watches the parade from outside her building, said “I don’t miss it.”

Angela Banks, an employee of Pioneer Gardens assisted living facility in Bronzeville, who watched the parade with building residents, said, “I feel like it’s been going on for so long, and we’ve got to keep it going, and I just love to see our African-American people do our thing!”

I wish my arms were long enough to hug everyone at the same time! Thank you, Chicago, for the peace, the love and the soul at a great Bud Billiken Parade, on a great day in Bronzeville, in the greatest city in the world. pic.twitter.com/sXsoeGuV8F
— Mayor Brandon Johnson (@ChicagosMayor) August 13, 2023

.@JulianaStratton and I had a wonderful time marching in this year’s Bud Billiken parade! ☀️

Thanks to everyone who worked so hard to make today possible and all the volunteers who joined us to celebrate one of our favorite summer traditions. pic.twitter.com/tNHtwosA7Z
— JB Pritzker (@JBPritzker) August 12, 2023

The Ad Hoc Committee of Proud Black Lesbians and Gays also returned to the route this year. The Black LGBTQ+ organization has made several appearances at Bud Billiken Parades since its first appearance in the parade in 1993.

The group marched on Saturday in honor of the the 30th anniversary of their first time in the parade. In 1993, group members were told they could not march by the Chicago Defender Charities, but with some help from the Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund, they made it happen.

Tracy Baim, the cofounder and owner of Windy City Times, reported on the event in 1993.

Baim said the Chicago Defender Charities invited the group back to march in this year’s parade. She believes because of the current climate surrounding LGBTQ+ rights nationally, “this kind of visibility continues to be important.”

Other notable appearances at the parade included Mayor Brandon Johnson, local urban historian Sherman “Dilla” Thomas, Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr., Gov. JB Pritzker and Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton.

Affectionately called “The Bud,” the event marks the return of back-to-school season in Chicago, with marching bands, drill teams, schools, businesses, local organizations, politicians, community members and more.

The Bud Billiken Parade is the largest Black parade in the world and the second largest parade in the United States after the Rose Bowl, according to the Bud Billiken website.

See photos from the parade below:

Chicago urban historian Sherman “Dilla” Thomas waves to parade attendees on Aug. 12. 2023.

A Bud Billiken Parade attendee waves a “Black Lives Matter” flag on Aug. 12, 2023.

A group of “Barbies” walk past the Bud Billiken Parade crowd on Aug. 12, 2023.

Members of the 40+ Double Dutch Club jump rope on Aug. 12, 2023.

Balloon vendor Iyma Cuevas waits for customers at the Bud Billiken Parade on Aug. 12, 2023.

A CTA worker waves at the crowd while driving a mini bus down King Drive at the Bud Billiken Parade on Aug. 12, 2023.

A “Barbie” waves at the crowd at the Bud Billiken Parade.

A parade float for the Enjoy Illinois campaign continues down King Drive.

Chicagoan Charles Jenkins sells Black pride flags at the Bud Billiken Parade on Aug. 12, 2023.

Chicagoan Erica Council (right) poses for a photo with her family at the Bud Billiken Parade on Aug. 12, 2023.

A group of drill team dancers perform at the 94th Bud Billiken Parade.

Bronzeville resident Jennifer Amicks (right) and her daughter Starla outside Amicks’ building while watching the Bud Billiken Parade on Aug. 12, 2023. Amicks, who celebrated her 80th birthday last month, held a birthday board so passerbys by would know about her special day, she said.

Chicagoans David Collier King and Brenae Collier King brought their dogs Ohana (left) and Nani (right) to the Bud Billiken Parade on Aug. 12, 2023.

A digital billboard truck honors legendary Chicago DJ Casper’s iconic hit “Cha Cha Slide” at the 94th Bud Billiken Parade on Aug. 12, 2023. Casper, whose real name was Willie Perry Jr., died last week from cancer.

Pioneer Gardens assisted living facility workers Angela Banks (left) and Nina Reeves (middle) and resident “Mama” Sharon Rhodes (right) waiting for the 94th Bud Billiken Parade to begin. Rhodes said she’s been watching the parade outside her apartment building for years.

City Clerk of Chicago Anna Valencia at the Bud Billiken Parade on Aug. 12, 2023.

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