On Sunday, September 21, 2025, Harlem once again came alive for the 56th Annual African American Day Parade (AADP). The parade, which ran along Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard from 111th to 137th Street, carried the theme “Education is Our #1 Priority.”
The weekend celebration began on Saturday with the “Get Involved: Community, Literacy, Health & Culture Celebration” at Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Plaza, where residents participated in health screenings, literacy events, performances, and cultural programming. On parade day, a pre-show opened the festivities, followed by the main procession at 12:30 p.m., lasting into the early evening.
Grand Marshals and honorees included journalist Sandra Bookman, singer Karyn “Superwoman” White, HBCU presidents Dr. Tony Allen (Delaware State University), Dr. Patricia Ramsey (Medgar Evers College), and Dr. Martin Lemelle Jr. (Grambling State University). Local educators, principals, and cultural leaders such as Joy Bivins, director of the Schomburg Center, were also recognized. The parade served as both a celebration and a moment of remembrance, paying tribute to the legacies of Congressman Charles Rangel, Hazel Dukes, Lloyd Williams, and Tamara Norman.
Next Steps: Community Feedback
Following the 2025 event, the AADP Committee has scheduled a Community Feedback Meeting. The session is intended to give Harlem residents, parade participants, and stakeholders the chance to reflect on this year’s parade and provide input for 2026 planning.
Meeting Details
- Date: Saturday, October 11, 2025
- Time: 3:30 PM
- Location: Mount Morris Senior Housing – Community Room, 63 W. 124th Street, Harlem, NYC
According to organizers, the meeting will allow attendees to share suggestions, identify challenges, and volunteer to be part of Team 2026.
The African American Day Parade, founded in 1968, remains one of Harlem’s most significant annual events, showcasing pride, culture, and the ongoing contributions of Black Americans across generations.
Be First to Comment