It has been 80 years since the Chicago Defender's founder Robert Sengstacke Abbott created Bud Billiken and established what has grown to be the largest annual parade and day of family, fun and entertainment of its kind–in the country. On Aug. 11, 1929, the first parade rolled down what was then South Parkway (now Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive).
The economy then was a bit miry since two months later the stock market would crash on what is known as Black Tuesday and the Great Depression would have its start.
Still, Abbott thought of a way to bring together the youth who helped him sell his Chicago Defender newspaper. Abbott’s friends and supporters caught on to the entrepreneur’s benevolent spirit and added more components to Bud Billiken Day: a picnic, free concert, pageantry and, of course, the Bud Billiken King and Queen.
The collaboration has given us the Bud Billiken experience millions of parade-goers and even more millions in a national television audience have come to expect and enjoy each year.
Native celebrities find their way back home and down the parade route. The parade is a must-attend event for local, state and even national leaders and elected officials. And there is no forgetting the children. For years, Defender photographers have captured the excitement and enthusiasm on children’s faces as they watch the bands, dancers, floats and other parade participants roll down King Drive, from 39th Street into Washington Park at 51st Street. It is a time to celebrate and treasure, a time to reflect and prepare. A time to be proud as African-Americans.
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