The Bud Billiken Day Parade and Picnic 1929-2000

The Bud Billiken Day Parade and Picnic was launched on August 11 1929 by Robert S. Abbott the founder of the Chicago Defender newspaper as a token of appreciation for young carriers of the newspaper who contributed to the paper''s success. This parade would become an annual event celebrated with much fun and served as a symbol of racial identity racial pride and empowerment for Chicago''s black community. The Bud Billiken Parade and Picnic established a tradition that highlighted underprivileged youth promoted education provided entertainment encouraged family togetherness and served as a symbol of accomplishment for Chicago''s African American community.