2022 African American Day Parade Returns To Harlem: What To Know

HARLEM, NY — After a two-year pandemic hiatus, the African American Day Parade will make a grand return to Harlem this weekend.

Sunday's festivities will begin around 11 a.m., with a pre-parade show on 125th Street and Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Boulevard that will run until 1 p.m.

Following that will be the parade itself, which will march along Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Boulevard between West 111th and 137th streets, according to the event website.

Under the theme, "Good health is essential," this year's grand marshals will include Dr. Michelle Henry, a clinical instructor of dermatology at Weil Cornell Medical College; Pamela Abner, vice president and chief diversity officer for Mount Sinai Health System; and Sandra Lindsay, a director of patient care at Long Island Jewish Medical Center who was the first person in the U.S. to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

Before the parade starts, people can stop by a community literacy event on West 127th Street and Adam Clayton Powell between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., featuring games, activities, a mini basketball tournament, book giveaways, and more.

The African American Day Parade was conceived in 1968 by a group of community leaders, with the first parade being held in September 1969.

It has continued every September since then, including virtual festivities during the pandemic.

Find more information on the parade website.