By: Richard L. Smith
Image Credit: AAHPO
Newark will mark six decades of African American history, culture and community pride next month as one of New Jersey’s longstanding heritage celebrations returns to the city.
According to a press release from the African American Heritage Parades Organization (AAHPO), the 60th African American Heritage Statewide Parade will step off Sunday, October 4, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
People’s Organization for Progress President Lawrence C. Hamm has been selected to serve as Grand Marshal for this year’s milestone celebration.
The procession will begin at Lincoln Park and travel along Mayor Kenneth A. Gibson Boulevard, formerly Broad Street. Participants will continue north before turning onto Lafayette Street and Mulberry Street, with the parade ending at Prudential Center Plaza.
Organizers said marching bands, schools, youth and community organizations, elected officials, uniformed services, labor groups and cultural organizations from across New Jersey are expected to participate.
The parade’s Newark roots date back to March 6, 1966, when the city hosted what was then known as the “Crispus Attucks Day Parade,” honoring Crispus Attucks, who was killed during the Boston Massacre in 1770.
The idea was developed by parade founder John Thomas while he was teaching history at Newark’s Central High School.
According to organizers, Thomas and his students had been discussing how different ethnic communities celebrated their heritage when a student pointed out that African Americans did not have a comparable celebration.
That conversation helped inspire the 1966 event, which eventually developed into today’s African American Heritage Statewide Parade.
AAHPO Chairman Charles N. Hall Jr. said this year’s 60th anniversary theme, “Unity, Love, Support,” reflects the organization’s focus on strengthening communities while promoting freedom, equality and justice.
The organization will also hold a golf outing Wednesday, September 30, at Weequahic Golf Course to support the parade.
For additional information about the parade or golf outing, organizers said Hall can be contacted at 973-713-3386.