This September, Harlem will once again host one of New York City’s most powerful celebrations of Black pride and progress: the 56th Annual African American Day Parade. More than a march, the parade is a living tradition that honors history, showcases achievement, and connects generations.
A Legacy of Celebration and Struggle
Founded in 1968 and first held the following year under the theme “Africa’s Gift to America,” the parade was born from Harlem’s organizing spirit. Visionaries like Congressman Adam Clayton Powell Jr. and Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm helped set its tone—linking culture to civic engagement and highlighting African American contributions across every sector. Since then, the parade has become a fixture every third Sunday in September, bringing together bands, fraternities and sororities, community organizations, civic leaders, and thousands of spectators along Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard.
This Year’s Theme: Education
The 2025 theme, “Education Is Our #1 Priority!”, centers on those who uplift through teaching and mentorship. Grand Marshals and honorees reflect this focus: university presidents, principals, journalists, and community advocates who embody the belief that education is the path to empowerment. Celebrity Grand Marshal Karyn White will join a lineup that includes Dr. Tony Allen of Delaware State University, Dr. Patricia Ramsey of Medgar Evers College, Dr. Martin Lemelle Jr. of Grambling State University, ABC7 anchor Sandra Bookman, and Schomburg Center Director Joy Bivins.
A Weekend of Events
Festivities begin on Saturday, September 20, with the “Get Involved: Literacy, Health & Culture Celebration” at the Adam Clayton Powell Jr. State Office Building Plaza. Running from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM, it will feature live performances, health resources, and literacy programming for families.
The main event follows on Sunday, September 21. A pre-parade show kicks off at 11:00 AM, with the parade stepping off at 12:30 PM and continuing until early evening. Floats, marching bands, civic groups, and cultural organizations will move up Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard from 111th to 137th Street, with the reviewing stand at 125th Street and 7th Avenue.
Parade Specs
- When: Saturday, Sept. 20 – Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025
- Where: Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd, Harlem (111th–137th St.)
- Theme: Education Is Our #1 Priority!
- Saturday Celebration: 11:00 AM–5:00 PM at Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Plaza
- Parade Day: Pre-show 11:00 AM–12:30 PM; Parade 12:30 PM–6:00 PM
- Viewing: Reviewing stand at 125th & 7th Ave; live broadcast on ABC7/WABC platforms
- Admission: Free and open to the public
As Harlem prepares for this year’s march, the message is clear: education is not only the parade’s theme but its charge to the community. For more than fifty years, the African American Day Parade has celebrated heritage and progress. In 2025, it reminds us that knowledge remains the cornerstone of freedom.
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