The 2018 African American Day Parade is set to march through Harlem on Sunday.
Now in its 49th year, the African American Day Parade keeps up its long-standing tradition of celebrating African American culture and pride. The annual parade is held every third Sunday in September and is recognized as the most celebrated African American parade in the country.
According to the African American Day Parade organization, more than 900,000 attendees will be at the parade to celebrate and honor a wide variety of community and political leaders, organizations, fraternities, sororities, marching bands and dance teams. There are more than 200 participating organizations in the parade.
The theme for this year’s African American Day Parade is “Culture is Key” and it will celebrate and honor both individuals and organizations that have made important contributions to African American culture in the arts, fashion, media, sports, technology and more. According to the African American Day Parade organization, the parade aims to “highlight those that have shown positivity through their platform and have contributed to the success of the community.”
The grand marshals for the 2018 African-American Day Parade are Arthur Mitchell, founder of the Dance Theatre of Harlem, Spectrum News NY1 anchor Cheryl Willis, Radio 103.9 host Tom Joyner, WBLS and WLIB news director Ann Tripp and legendary hip-hop star Doug E. Fresh.
If you’re going to the parade or will be in the area, here’s what you need to know about the 2018 African American Day Parade including the start time, route and street closures in the area.
When is the African American Day Parade?
The African-American Day parade kicks off Sunday, September 16 at 1 p.m. and will run until 6 p.m.
2018 African American Day Parade Route
According to the parade organizers, the parade will cover 25 blocks on Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard. The parade will start at 111th Street and head uptown on Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard to 136th Street.
African American Day Parade street closures
According to the New York City Department of Transportation, the following streets will be closed on Sunday, September 16 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. EST in Ha for the 49th annual African American Day Parade.
Formation
111th Street between Frederick Douglass Boulevard and Malcolm X Boulevard
112th Street between Frederick Douglass Boulevard and Malcolm X Boulevard
113th Street between Frederick Douglass Boulevard and Malcolm X Boulevard
St. Nicholas Avenue between 113th Street and 116th Street
Route
Adam Clayton Powell Boulevard between 110th Street and 136th Street
Dispersal
Adam Clayton Powell Boulevard between 136th Street and 141st Street
135th Street between Adam Clayton Powell Boulevard and Malcolm X Boulevard
136th Street between Adam Clayton Powell Boulevard and Malcolm X Boulevard
137th Street between Adam Clayton Powell Boulevard and Malcolm X Boulevard
Miscellaneous street closures
126th Street between Malcolm X Boulevard and Frederick Douglas Boulevard
Frederick Douglas Boulevard between 127th Street and 128th Street (Eastside)
Malcolm X Boulevard between 132nd Street and 133rd Street (Westside)
Malcolm X Boulevard between 136th Street and 140th Street
African American Day Parade 2018 MTA info: Getting to the parade
The best way to get to the parade is by public transportation. The parade route is between 111th and 136th streets so getting to the parade is easy.
A, B, C, D trains to 125th Street then walk over to Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard.
The 2 and 3 trains will bring you right to the parade route and make stops at 110th, 116th, 125th and 135th streets.
For bus route change and additional subway changes, visit mta.info for more information.
