Celebrating Black Legacy: The Enduring Significance of the Bud Billiken Parade

For nearly a century, Chicago’s South Side has claimed the second Saturday in August as its own holiday. The Bud Billiken Parade, now in its 96th year, marched again this weekend down King Drive with all the brass, bass drums, and tumbling bodies that make it a spectacle. It’s a tradition born in 1929 out of the Chicago Defender, meant to lift up young people before the school year starts. And on Saturday, the mission carried on—loud, colorful, and unapologetically Black.

A Spectacle of Joy and Excellence

On the surface, the event did what it always does: united families, celebrated students, and gave kids a platform to shine. Nearly 200 groups—marching bands, cheer squads, drill teams, dance crews—moved in rhythm for two miles. Actor LaRoyce Hawkins served as Grand Marshal, and Chance the Rapper drew cheers as a hometown star who never forgets where he came from. Social media lit up with clips that explain why people call the Bud a “Black holiday.” A video from ABC7 Chicago captured the vibrant energy of the performers.

@abc7chicagoABC7 Chicago will broadcast and stream the 2025 Bud Billiken Parade on Saturday as it celebrates 96 years. #news #chicago #chicagonews #budbillikenparade #parade

A Tale of Two Narratives

But once the floats cleared, the conversation split. Scattered Facebook posts painted a darker picture. Kenneth Griffin, in a widely shared post, called the day “chaotic” and “not enjoyable anymore.” Another commenter asked the raw question that echoed across feeds: “Why are we constantly taking away from us when we’re here for us?” Those words stung because they came from inside the community, not from outside critics.

The Discipline of Verification

Here’s where the reporting matters. This outlet reviewed Chicago Police Department records, statements, and city alerts for Aug. 9. We also scanned coverage from ABC7, CBS Chicago, WGN, and the Chicago Tribune. None reported mass, uncontrolled violence tied to the parade. The City’s Office of Emergency Management and Communications issued no warnings beyond routine event guidance. That doesn’t mean nothing happened—big gatherings often see isolated scuffles—but the sweeping claims of chaos weren’t confirmed by officials or newsrooms.

Protecting the Future

That gap creates tension. Online, fear spreads faster than fact. On the route, many families described a safe and positive day. Meanwhile, Washington Park told a quieter, steadier story. After the last drumline passed, thousands gathered for free school supplies, haircuts, and health screenings. Organizers called it “It Takes a Village,” a title that landed with weight. For them, the work is about more than marching; it’s about surrounding young people with resources and role models.

Now the march toward its 100th anniversary in 2029 comes with a challenge: protecting not only the streets but also the narrative. The Bud Billiken Parade is too essential to let viral clips overshadow verified facts. The story deserves balance—celebrating joy while confronting problems honestly, without allowing fear to rewrite the headline. The 96th parade kept its promise. It lifted up children, strengthened community ties, and preserved a legacy that’s almost a century old. That’s the Chicago story worth remembering.