The annual African American Day Parade 2019 is set to take place this weekend on Sunday in Harlem and it will be special. This year marks the 50th year anniversary of the African American Day Parade in Harlem.
For 50 years the African American Day Parade continues to celebrate African American culture and pride. The African American Day Parade was first formed in 1969, a year after the Civil Rights Act Was passed. The parade was created to promote and celebrate unity, dignity and pride within the African American Community. Politicians Adam Clayton Powell Jr. and Shirley Chisholm were named Grand Marshals of the first African American Day Parade.
The annual African American Day Parade is held every year on the third Sunday in September and is recognized as the largest African American parade in the country and is classified as a national parade.
According to the parade organization more than 900,000 people are expected to attend the parade to honor and celebrate various community and religious-based organizations, politicians, celebrities, fraternities and sororities, marching bands and dance groups from around the country.
This year, the theme of the African American Day Parade is “Integrity & Transparency = Good Government.” The 2019 African American Day Parade will honor individuals who have all contributed to the African American community through their work in politics and government.
To get you prepared for the 2019 African Day Parade, here’s what you need to know including the 2019 grand marshals, official start time, how to get there and what streets will be closed in the area.
African American Day Parade 2019 start time
The African American Day Parade kicks off Sunday, September 15, at 1 p.m. and will run until 6 p.m. EST.
For reviewing stand and ticket information visit the AADP organization website.
African American Day Parade route
The parade begins on 111th Street and Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard and move along Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard to 136th Street.
African American Day Parade 2019 grand marshals
Brian A Benjamin — New York State Senator for District 30
Gale Brewer — Manhattan Borough President
Inez Dickens — New York State Assembly member for District 70
Leah Daughtry — Organizer, activist, political strategist
Adriano Espaillat — U.S. Rep. for New York’s 13th Congressional District
Hakeem Jeffries — U.S. Rep. for New York’s 8th Congressional District
David Dinkins — Politician, lawyer and former New York City mayor
Melba Moore — Actress and vocalist
Charles Rangel — Politician and lawyer
Keith Wright — Politician, Director of Government Relations, Davidoff Hutcher & Citron LLP
HBCU Marching Bands performing at African American Day Parade 2019
Orange Crush Roaring Lion Marching Band of Lincoln University
The Approaching Storm Marching Band of Delaware State University
The Trojan Explosion Marching Band of Virginia State University
African American Day Parade 2019 street closures
The 2019 African Amrican Day Parade in Harlem kicks off Saturday, September 15 at 12 p.m. at 111th Street and Adam Clayton Powel Jr. Boulevard. Expect streets in the area and along the the parade route to close as early as 11 a.m. According to the New York City Department of Transportation, the following streetd will be closed for the 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 114th Street
Route
Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard between 110th Street and 136th Street
Dispersal
Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard between 136th Street and 141st Street
135th Street between Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard and Lenox Avenue
136th Street between Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard and Lenox Avenue
137th Street between Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard and Lenox Avenue
Lenox Avenue between 136th Street and 139th Street
Miscellaneous
126th Street between Lenox Avenue and Frederick Douglas Boulevard
125th Street between Lenox Avenue and Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard
Frederick Douglas Boulevard between 127th Street and 128th Street (Northbound / Eastside)
Lenox Avenue between 132nd Street and 133rd Street (Southbound / Westside)
Lenox Avenue between 136th Street and 140th Street
St. Nicholas Avenue between Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard and 115th Street
