56th African American Day Parade Draws 900,000 Celebrating Education, Heritage in Harlem

The 56th annual African American Day Parade took place in Harlem, celebrating over five decades of Black culture, heritage, and community pride along Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard. The 2025 parade emphasized the theme "Education is Our #1 Priority," honoring educators, mentors, and leaders who uplift the community through learning and mentorship. The event featured colorful floats, marching bands, cultural vendors, and notable grand marshals including musicians, media personalities, and presidents of historic Black universities. A pre-parade celebration called the "Get Involved Literacy, Health, and Culture Celebration" offered health services, literacy programs, and cultural activities to engage the community. The parade also highlighted the legacy of its founders and awarded scholarships to students through the Abe & Lucinda Snyder Scholarship Fund. Drawing hundreds of thousands of attendees, the parade remains a vital platform for positive representation and unity within the African American community.