Nicknamed “The Bud,” the parade has been a back-to-school celebration and showcase for Chicago’s talented young people since 1929. For four generations, the Sengstacke family has organized what it says is the largest African American parade in the United States . Hundreds of thousands of spectators and generations of families will gather along the almost 3-mile route in Bronzeville Saturday to cheer on a variety of performers — bands, dance and drill teams, tumblers and cheerleaders — and watch honorary grand marshals and celebrities ride in style aboard floats and classic cars.
And thousands of school supplies and other amenities will be handed out in Washington Park following the parade. Can’t be there in person? Watch the parade’s live broadcast from 10 a.m.
-noon on WLS-Ch. 7 and abc7chicago.com .
The parade starts at 10 a.m. at the intersection of 39th Street and South King Drive in Bronzeville and marches south to 55th Place in Washington Park.
Grand marshal: Jason Weaver , star of “The Chi,” “ATL” and “Drumline.” The actor and singer, who attended Illiana Christian High School in Lansing and Thornwood High School in South Holland, also portrayed Michael Jackson in the 1992 miniseries “The Jacksons: An American Dream.” And when he was 11, Weaver was the singing voice of Simba in “Lion King.
” Honorary grand marshals: Jemal King (“9 to 5 Millionaire”); Keena Barber (WDB Marketing chief executive officer); Latisha Waters (Empiire Dance .