Latest news with #BudBillikenParade
Chicago Tribune
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
‘Getting back into full swing,' Bud Billiken Parade marks 96th year
As smoke from her grill blew in all different directions, Dida Griffin flipped several patties and sausages, checking to see which had developed the right char. She'd set up a spot for her family to gather near the staging area for the 2025 Bud Billiken Parade, across the street from her 38th Street home. Griffin has attended the annual parade for about 40 years, she said. 'It's coming back,' Griffin said. 'In (the COVID-19 pandemic), we didn't have it, but they're really getting back into full swing.' Saturday marked Chicago's 96th annual Bud Billiken Parade & Festival, a Chicago celebration of Black culture, art and community just before the start of the school year. Participants said this year's procession represented a strong, lasting celebration of Black tradition in Chicago. LaRoyce Hawkins, a Harvey native and 'Chicago P.D.' star, was this year's grand marshal for the parade. A slate of local officials, including Mayor Brandon Johnson, Gov. JB Pritzker and U.S. Rep. Danny Davis, also marched in the procession. Celebrities and local organizations, including Chance the Rapper, also made appearances. Saturday's parade was the first for Jeri Boykin, a human resources specialist at United Airlines. She moved to Chicago about a year ago from Florida, and said the parade seemed like it would be a 'beautiful experience' and 'great family event.' 'That is phenomenal,' Boykin said. 'Because in this day and age, with so many things phasing out, to have something that's such a staple … that's nice.' Local performing organizations are also a regular hallmark of the parade. One of those groups is the Dance Force Elite team, which has performed in the parade since 2008, according to the parade's website. This year, Dance Force's float and performance followed the theme of 'royalty,' said Tonia Davis, a manager at the organization. Dancers wore red, blue and gold lamé uniforms as they kicked off the parade with an energetic performance combining hip hop and majorette moves. Performers also participate in a judged competition after the parade, Tonia Davis said. Dance Force won awards in 2016, 2017 and 2018, according to the Bud Billiken Parade website. 'It's pushing through our pain because we lost one of our head coaches a year ago,' Tonia Davis said. 'It's really just to honor him, Matthew Thomas.' The Bud Billiken Parade has also historically been a back-to-school celebration. Bronzeville resident Ron Barlow said this is his 10th year at the event. He swings by because he's glad to see kids excited to resume their education, he said. The parade also helped Barlow stay in touch with the local community, he said. 'I gained a sense of awareness of the neighborhood now,' Barlow said. 'I used to just come out here for a minute or two and go back home. I've been out here at the whole parade now, for some reason.' The educational mission of the Bud Billiken Parade also resonated with Boykin, who said she was happy to help the United team hand out 600 backpacks to students after the procession. 'Regardless of where you live or where you're from, it's important to pour back into where you live,' said Boykin, who lives in the Albany Park neighborhood. 'Because if you're not going to do it, nobody else is, and even if it's something small and simple, every little thing matters.' This year's parade theme was 'Road to 100,' since the event is on the way to its centennial celebration. Robert Sengstacke Abbott, founder of the African American newspaper the Chicago Defender, helped establish the Bud Billiken Parade in 1929. Over the decades, several high-profile politicians and celebrities have joined in, including former President Barack Obama — then a U.S. senator for Illinois — and Oprah Winfrey. Though the present parade is shorter than those in years past, some of which started at 35th Street, its sustained presence nonetheless brings joy, community members said. 'It's amazing that a Black parade has lasted this long,' Griffin said. 'We got all people now, not just Black, everybody now. And it's good.'
CBS News
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- CBS News
96th Chicago Bud Billiken Parade takes over Bronzeville Saturday
The Bud Billiken Parade, a Chicago tradition that gets families excited for the new school year, will be taking over the South Side on Saturday. Thousands of people are expected in the Bronzeville neighborhood to take part in the festivities, including music, dancing, and food. The parade that began in the summer of 1929 continues to embody Chicago's Black History and works to empower youth, especially on the South Side. This summer, it celebrates 96 years. It goes back to the early 1900s when the Billiken was actually a charm doll that represented good luck and fortune, and was also seen as the guardian of children. It got attached to Buddy, or Bud, which became the mascot. It's one of the biggest and oldest African American parades in the United States, and always an indication that the start of the school year is around the corner. Chicago Public Schools students will go back to school on Aug. 18. The Office of Emergency Management, along with the Chicago police and the fire departments, is coordinating on-site public safety resources. The parade steps off at Oakwood and King Drive at 10 a.m. Audrina Sinclair, Jermont Terry, and Joe Donlon will also host a CBS News Chicago Bud Billiken special on Saturday at 5:30 p.m.
CBS News
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- CBS News
Chicago's 96th annual Bud Billiken Parade kicks off Saturday on South Side
The 96th annual Bud Billiken Parade kicks off this Saturday on Chicago's South Side. The parade steps off at 35th and King Drive in Bronzeville and is followed by a festival in Washington Park celebrating students returning to school. Bud Billiken Parade officials said they were expecting 1,000 people at the Taste of Bud Billiken event. Last year, they had more than 600 people show up. The Bud Billiken Parade back-to-school celebration is the second-largest parade in the United States. It began in 1929. Audrina Sinclair, Jermont Terry and Joe Donlon will host a CBS News Chicago Bud Billiken special on Saturday at 5:30 p.m.
Politico
3 days ago
- Politics
- Politico
Power plays by Mike Quigley, Brendan Reilly
TGIF, Illinois. We'll see you at the Bud Billiken Parade. TOP TALKER In the ever-churning machinery of Chicago politics, few moves happen in isolation. Today, we've got two established names making bold political plays. Congressman Mike Quigley, who's running for reelection in 2026, isn't ruling out a run for mayor in 2027. 'I'm interested… I'm looking across the river,' he told your Playbook host during Thursday night's in-person event at the Hideout. The Chicago Democrat cut his teeth in local politics, serving as a reform-minded Cook County commissioner before going to Congress. He has since carved out a profile in Washington as a budget hawk and transparency advocate. In other action, downtown Ald. Brendan Reilly is gathering petition signatures to challenge Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle in 2026. The 42nd Ward alderman has built a reputation as a development-savvy tactician who says voters want to see a change in leadership. Preckwinkle has held the job since 2010. It's tough terrain for both politicos. For Quigley, the question would be whether he could build a citywide coalition beyond his North Side base. For Reilly, it's about scaling his brand from hyper-local ward politics to a countywide stage — all while navigating the shadow of a powerful Democratic machine that doesn't cede control easily. THE BUZZ PARTISAN PURSUIT: Sen. John Cornyn has enlisted the FBI to help locate Democratic state lawmakers from Texas holing up in Illinois to avoid a redistricting vote in Austin. It's the latest political flashpoint in a partisan battle that now spans state lines. Cornyn announced Thursday that FBI Director Kash Patel had agreed to involve federal agents in the spat, though it's unclear how the bureau would proceed given that federal laws haven't been breached. Bring it: Gov. JB Pritzker waved off the announcement as 'grandstanding.' 'I welcome the FBI coming to the state. I hope they take in the State Fair. I hope they go see the beauty of Lake Michigan,' the governor said during a break from kicking off the Illinois State Fair. 'The adventure awaits for all of them. But they won't be arresting anyone.' On Illinois doing another remap, Pritzker said, 'We're going to think about all the options,' via Capitol News Illinois' Peter Hancock. Congressman Quigley's take: 'Look, in an ideal world, these maps are drawn by nonpartisan commissions, and they represent what the Constitution said we should do,' he said at The Hideout. 'We're not there yet. ... So you can't be a Boy Scout in a situation like this — you have to be as tough as they are,' via POLITICO. At issue is Texas Republicans fuming that they can't pass gerrymandered maps because they don't have a quorum in their legislature — with as many as 50 Democrats from the Austin statehouse in Illinois. — Rahm Emanuel's take: 'The idea that because you're scared of an election result, you rewrite the rules midway in the game. [That's] not redistricting. Now I happen to think we should be focused on reducing the cost of living. They want to focus on redistricting,' the former mayor and ambassador tells conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt in an extended interview. RELATED 'It's high season for hypocrisy': the godfather of the Indiana GOP slams Trump's redistricting push, by POLITICO's Adam Wren and Cheyanne M. Daniels If you are Kash Patel, Playbook would like to hear from you! Email: skapos@ WHERE'S JB No official public events. WHERE's BRANDON At Olive Harvey College for the Christmas in the Wards Back to School Giveaway. Where's Toni No official public events. Have a tip, suggestion, birthday, new job or a (gasp!) complaint? Email skapos@ BUSINESS OF POLITICS — State Rep. Amy Grant of Wheaton to step aside after current term: She acknowledged that 'being in the minority in Springfield is tough' and serving in a 'super minority is even tougher… The silver lining being that you are forced to work harder, be more thoughtful and make more friends with colleagues on the other side. It also means staying motivated, no matter what. I've done that,' by the Daily Herald's Katlyn Smith. — He's in: Bob Fioretti is running for Illinois attorney general on the Republican ticket. He'll be featured next week at Republican Day at the state fair. — In IL-01: Joely Faren King is primarying Democratic Congressman Jonathan Jackson. King, who compares herself to New York Mayor candidate Zohran Mamdani, says she's running 'because I don't think Democrats are meeting the moment.' Here's her introduction video. — Party politics: State Rep. Mary Beth Canty, a Democrat in the 54th District, is running for reelection and for Wheeling Township Democratic Committee seat. 'I'm running for Committeeperson because our local Democratic Party should be a hub of energy and action,' Canty said in announcing her campaign. 'We need to engage Democrats year-round, connect more deeply with our neighbors, and support the next generation of candidates for local office.' — State House race: Jenny Levin, a trauma nurse specialist from Palatine, has launched her campaign for the Illinois House in the 51st District. 'I've seen so many sides of the healthcare system, both as a professional and through my own and my families' experiences,' Levin, a Democrat, said in a statement. 'Problems existed long before Covid drew attention to them. Some improvements have been made, but there is more work to do.' — Elizabeth Granato, a Democrat running for Cook County commissioner, picked up several new endorsements, including Operators Local 150, 38th Ward Democrats and Chicago Ald. Sam Nugent. Full list is here. THE STATEWIDES — Secret DEA lab examines cocaine surging into Illinois and surrounding states, by the Sun-Times' Frank Main — Angry with DHS, protesters disrupt job fair at Congress Plaza Hotel, by the Tribune's Sophie Levenson — Illinois faces looming health crisis as Medicaid cuts threaten coverage, hospitals and rural access, by WTTW's Jared Rutecki — Springfield City Council set to approve third round of cannabis grants, by Illinois Times' Dean Olsen CHICAGO — Chicago River Swim returns for the first time in nearly a century, by Block Club's Jake Cox. — Founders of Chicago's premier AIDS unit gleam over decades of progress, as Trump cripples research, by the Sun-Times' Mary Norkol — All Chicago police misconduct cases could be heard in secret if court sides with union, by the Sun-Times' Sophie Sherry and Tom Schuba — Concerns swirl about potential closure of Weiss hospital, which will lose Medicare funding this weekend, by the Tribune's Lisa Schencker and Katherine Weaver TRAINS, PLANES AND AUTOMOBILES — Union Pacific to launch faster service linking California's Inland Empire with Chicago, by Trains Magazine's Bill Stephens Reader Digest We asked about the most underrated amendment in the Constitution. Brent Pruim: 'The Third Amendment (Restrictions on Housing Soldiers). I don't need to be an airbnb just because King George had trust issues.' Charles Keller: 'The Second Amendment (Right to Bear Arms). Without it, you couldn't defend the Constitution, and we would have been a communist state long ago.' Bob Kieckhefer: 'I'll be very disappointed if your audience does not overwhelmingly select the First Amendment (Freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition).' Kathy Posner: 'The Ninth Amendment (Unenumerated Rights), which limits government power. It serves as a reminder that the federal government is one of limited powers, and the people retain all powers and rights not specifically delegated to the federal government or prohibited to the states.' Timothy Thomas: 'The 17th Amendment (Direct Election of U.S. Senators by the People) gets little fanfare, but it should because it puts power in the hands of the people directly (ostensibly anyway) instead of the legislature.' NEXT QUESTION: If you could redesign how Congress works, what's one thing you'd change? THE NATIONAL TAKE — MAGA world swallows a difficult truth: Arresting Trump's opponents is easier said than done, by POLITICO's Kyle Cheney — Epstein victims speak out: This 'smacks of a cover up,' by POLITICO's Erica Orden — Trump's trade onslaught escalates as global tariffs kick in, by POLITICO's Daniel Desrochers, Doug Palmer and Ari Hawkins TRANSITIONS — JUST TO CLARIFY: Elizabeth C. Babcock is now president and CEO of the Adler Planetarium. We misidentified her new gig yesterday. — Lynne Turner, CSO harpist since 1962, retires from the orchestra, Hannah Edgar writes in the Tribune. — Andy Masur will be the WGN Radio sports anchor on the Bob Sirott weekday show starting Aug. 28. Dave Eanet, the current sports anchor, is retiring after more than 30 years at the station. — Jeffrey Charkow, has joined Duane Morris LLP's Chicago office as a partner in the firm's Trial Practice Group. Charkow, a construction attorney, was a partner at Harris Winick Harris LLP. EVENTS — Aug. 19: 'Why Fair Maps Matter' is the discussion of Lincoln Forum event featuring former White House Chief of Staff Bill Daley, former Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, former Democratic Party General Counsel Michael Dorf and former Illinois State Board of Elections Chair Bill Cadigan. Details here. — Oct. 3 and 4: The Illinois Legislative Black Caucus Foundation's Annual Policy Summit and Power Brunch is titled 'Endgame: Relentless Power.' Details here. TRIVIA THURSDAY's ANSWER: Congrats to Matthew Beaudet for correctly answering that Aledo, Ill., was originally named after Spanish explorer and conquistador Hernando De Soto. TODAY's QUESTION: Who was the first Illinois-born person to have a U.S. Naval ship named after them? Email to: skapos@ HAPPY BIRTHDAY Today: Cook County Circuit Court Judge Marian Perkins, election attorney Michael Dorf, Chicago Public Library Foundation President Brenda Langstraat Bui, attorney Antonio Romanucci, Alpha Epsilon Pi Marketing Director Zachary Pellish, former Cubs Assistant GM Craig Breslow and Chicago Fire Department's Survive Alive House Foundation board member AmySue Mertens Saturday: Former White House Chief of Staff Bill Daley, Chicago Architecture Biennial Co-Chair Nora Daley, Cook County Circuit Court Associate Judge Greg Ahern, Dezenhall Resources Senior VP Fred Brown and activist and former mayoral candidate Ja'Mal Green Sunday: Former state Sen. Jim DeLeo, 42nd Ward Director of Development Joanna Angarone, Cook County Clerk HR Specialist Kara Highfill, Chicago Neighborhood Initiatives President David Doig and essayist Elaine Soloway -30-
Axios
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Axios
Bud Billiken Parade on Chicago's South Side is back
Grab your lawn chairs. The back-to-school festival returns Saturday. Why it matters: For more than 90 years, the Bud Billiken Parade has been a Chicago tradition that has drawn massive crowds to celebrate Black culture, art, music and history just before the start of the academic year. What to expect: It's the largest African American parade in the U.S. and features marching bands, dancers, floats, live music and more. Flashback: The parade was established in 1929 by Robert Sengstacke Abbott, founder of the African American newspaper The Chicago Defender. The name Bud Billiken originated from the newspaper's youth page, "Defender Junior," which then transformed into a club and mascot, "Bud the Billiken," which was said to serve as a protector of children. State of play: The very first parade honored the young newsboys who sold the newspaper. Since then, public figures, community leaders and entertainers like former President Barack Obama, Muhammad Ali, Nat King Cole, Oprah and many others have taken part in the celebration. If you go: The festival is 10am-4pm Saturday starts at 35th and King Dr. and ends at 55th Street.
