Grambling State University marching band to lead 57th African American Day Parade

The famed Grambling State University (GSU) Tiger Marching Band is scheduled to lead the 57th African American Day Parade (AADP), which will take place Sept. 20 in Harlem.

The renowned marching band from the Louisiana historically Black university will appear as part of the celebration of Grambling State University’s 125th anniversary and the Tiger Marching Band’s 100th anniversary.

GSU had a float in last year’s AADP featuring the school’s president, Dr. Martin Lamelle Jr. He was one of several HBCU presidents that served as grand marshal.

This year’s parade theme is “Good Businesses Sustain Our Future”, celebrating the vital role Black-owned businesses play in creating opportunity, building wealth, and strengthening our communities.

“We need to make a way for our community to take care of ourselves, get back on our feet, and remain solvent. One of the ways to do that is to purchase from our own-even if we must spend a bit more to show our support,” stated Mr. Yusuf Hasan, Chairman of the African American Day Parade Inc.

Grand Marshals for this year’s parade are Barbara Askins, President of Harlem Business Improvement District (BID), J. Alexander Martin, Fubu Co-Founder and President of NYS Black Chamber of Commerce, Chef Charles Gabriel, Founder of Charles Pan Fried Chicken, Michael Preston, Co-Owner, Harlem Rocket and Cheryl McKissack Daniel, Chair of the Board, McKissack & McKissack.

Marshals for this year’s parade are Michael Katlow Cox, CEO, Memorie 4 Life Photography, LLC & PIPE TV, Arva Rice, President and CEO, NY Urban League, Jahkeen Washington, CEO of Harlem Kettlebell Club, Mari Moss, CEO of Midas Touch Consultant Firm and Kathleen Adams, Angel of Harlem Co-Owner.

AADP is introducing the AADP Community Institution Award, honoring organizations whose leadership and service have made an impact on the African American community.

The inaugural award recognizes institutions that inspire, uplift, and strengthen generations. AADP is presenting the first Community Institution Award to The Apollo Theater in recognition of their legacy of advancing Black culture, artistic excellence, and community outreach opportunities.

The AADP celebration will span two days, beginning Saturday, Sept. 19, with the 4th Annual Get Involved: Community, Literacy, Health, and Culture Celebration from noon to 5 p.m. at Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Plaza. The event will feature live entertainment, literacy activities, giveaways, prizes, a health panel, and on-site health services.

RELATED: PHOTOS: Harlem represents at 56th Annual African American Day Parade

The parade will begin Sunday, Sept. 20, at 12:30 p.m., traveling along Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard from West 111th Street to West 138th Street. A pre-parade show will begin at 11 a.m. at West 125th Street.

Also leading the parade will be the Federation of Black Cowboys, followed by more than 35 floats, community organizations, marching units, and family-friendly performances. An estimated 900,000 spectators are expected to line the streets for this year’s parade.

WABC-TV will partner with the AADP to livestream the parade on ABC7NY.com.

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