Bud Billiken Day Parade

The Bud Billiken Day Parade is the largest parade in the U.S. for Black Americans and the second-largest U.S parade as a whole, typically held on the south side of Chicago. Marching throughout the Bronzeville neighborhood (also known as the "Black Metropolis in the 1920s).

The parade began in 1929, created by Robert S. Abbott, the founder/publisher of the Chicago Defender. Abbott was the son of two freedman slaves and was known as the "Father of Black Journalism". The paper is is known as an important part of the acceleration of the Great Migration from 1915-1919.

The name "Bud Billiken" stems from the youth advice column found in the Chicago Defender as a character. The term Billiken is reference to a mystical charm doll created in the 1800s. During the Great Depression, the Bud Billiken character became a symbol of hope and pride amonst the Black community in Chicago.

The parade is widely known as a celebration of Black American life and education. Every year, the parade provide thousands of donated school supplies and scholarships to Chicago youth in need.

Each year, the parade hosts hundreds of performers (marching band/dance/gymnastics/etc) from all over the country.