Harlem was alive with music, dancers, marchers and attendees at the African American Day Parade Sunday.
“It’s joy, it’s fun, so many organizations, people of color just sharing our culture,” Abi Corbin, director and head coach of Eagle Academy Queens Campus Cheer, said.
What You Need To Know
The 55th Annual African Day Parade made its way down Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard in Harlem
The cultural significance of Harlem includes the Harlem Renaissance in the 1920s
Some of the topics important to attendees include represenation of the Black community, solidarity and health
The 55th annual parade celebrates African American culture in Harlem — significant as home of the Harlem Renaissance in the 1920s.
Sunday was Janette Nevers first time attending the parade.
“I wish I would’ve learned about this earlier in my life,” Nevers, a nurse leader at Montefiore Health System, said.
Nevers, who marched with her colleagues at Montefiore, says she wants to raise awareness on maternal mortality in the Black community. The CDC reports Black women are three times more likely to die from a pregnancy-related causes than white women.
“I think it is important we promote positivity as we uplift our women,” Nevers said.
The parade route ran down Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard from 111th Street to 136th Street.
Attendees said the themes of the parade resonated with them.
“Representation across the table for our culture to be included and decrease disparity,” Pauline Jones said.
“Solidarity and respect,” Elvis Machuca said.
For Nevers, she said she is glad to instill the importance of the culture in her three daughters.
“I want to introduce it to them to it early so they can participate year after year,” she said.
