Chicago poet J. Ivy has been selected as the grand marshal for the 94th annual Bud Billiken Parade, which celebrates African-American culture and education. As a child, Ivy cherished the parade and the sense of regality and magic it brought. Now, at the age of 47 and as a two-time Grammy-award-winning poet, Ivy feels honored to be part of this long-standing tradition.
The parade, which takes place on August 12, marks the beginning of the back-to-school season and is the largest African-American parade in the United States. It was started in 1929 by Robert Sengstacke Abbott, the founding editor of the Chicago Defender, and continues to showcase Black influence, culture, dance, and music.
This year’s parade theme is Parading in Peace Block by Block, inviting reflection on the importance of peace in the community. Ivy believes that peace is necessary to protect the greatness, genius, beauty, power, and ideas within the city. He hopes the day of the parade will radiate peace and that it will continue to resonate in the days that follow.
The Bud Billiken Parade is scheduled to kick off at 35th Street in Bronzeville and proceed down Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive before concluding at Washington Park on 55th Street. The festivities will include a picnic and festival at the park, providing entertainment for all who attend.
As the grand marshal, Ivy is recognized for his impact in pushing forward the conversation on education and the city of Chicago. Myiti Sengstacke-Rice, the president and CEO of the Chicago Defender Charities and Bud Billiken Parade chair, expresses admiration for Ivy’s role as a thought leader.
The Bud Billiken Parade has become an iconic event, celebrating the vibrancy and talent within the African-American community. Ivy encourages everyone to join in and experience the peace and joy that will be felt throughout the city on that day.
Sources:
https://blockclubchicago.org/2021/08/05/chicago-poet-j-ivy-to-be-grand-marshal-at-94th-annual-bud-billiken-parade/
