September 21st 2014 was the Annual African American Day Parade in Harlem, New York. This year once again I was not aware of the actual date for the event. Now I knew there is one annually but I have not heard any promotion this year in the form of flyers, radio, news outlets nor word of mouth. I remember as a kid growing up, it was a tradition and an honor to attend the parade. The event historically was fulfilled with entertainment, with the end result of gaining a great history lesson and just a sense of cohesiveness within our community. I remember when the floats were full of the richness of our culture whether it was the infamous Morgan State University Marching Band performing their fight songs, all of the various African rhythmic performers, cheerleading squads from various grammar schools and organizations; as well as famous civil rights activists strolling along the 30-block radius of culture called Harlem. This pageantry reminded us as a whole where we came from and to continue as African Americans to push our culture to the forefront of society. But those days are long gone now and the current fixture of the parade today is just another day with more senseless violence within the community as of late and the lack of enthusiasm from the folk within our culture and common folk outside of it . Part of the blame is clearly within ourselves as African Americans because we as a whole should want to celebrate our lineage to have others appreciate our lineage. It’s very appalling to hear African Americans who are of non-Caribbean decent be more enthusiastic about various other parades within New York City throughout the year than their own. We love to support the Puerto Rican and Dominican Parades because of the endless parties and sexual promotion they offer. Part of the blame as well goes to the media; it’s disappointing when other parades receive a plethora of promotion including sponsorships from larger corporations. It’s sad when the gay, Irish, West Indian, etc. parades receive all the promotion and sponsorships, but our own parade is the unknown and underappreciated parade. Seems like no one loves being black anymore and that’s very disheartening! We have to do better, but we say this all the time, but the real question is when is it really going to happen? A solution could be to change the perception of our parade and embrace it with urgency or soon the parade will be no more.
So what do you fine Ladies and Gentlemen suggest we do to bring back the passion for our own parade? Should more community leaders in general; get involved with the parade functions and promotion? Is this a lost cause already and should focus on larger matters to rectify? Let’s spark the conversation!