On Saturday, August 19, 2017 thousands of residents will celebrate the 55th Annual Englewood Back to School Parade. It’s the second oldest African American parade in Chicago. This parade continues to add to the rich history of Englewood while providing fun, peace and community pride which showcases to all of Chicago there is “Good in Englewood.”
“Seeing the faces of the youth on parade day enjoying the festivities is priceless, it makes all the hard work and time worth continuing the tradition,” says Sandra Streeter, parade co-chairman.
Attendees will receive free food, free school supplies, raffled gifts and much more!
“The parade gives the Englewood community the opportunity to come together to celebrate each other, socialize, bask in peace and is a prime time to engage the youth to be active, focused on school and proud to
be from Englewood,” states Nicole Vaughn, parade chairman.
Each year some 4,000 residents attend as well as elected officials, notable dignitaries, community leaders and stakeholders. The popular Jesse White tumblers and South Shore Drill Team will return for this historical event. Special performances will include Chicago’s own Nia Kay and I-Heart Radio WGCI 107.5 FM will bring their Block Club Party to the parade and will broadcast live.
In all begins with the Day of Registration on August 19, 2017 from 8:30 a.m. -10:00 a.m. at 5600 S. Halsted in Chicago. Followed by the parade procession at 10:30 a.m. starting at 56th and Halsted proceeding south to 67th Street and then west to Throop Street. The parade finale and celebration is at Ogden Park, 6500 S. Racine, from 11:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
About the Englewood Back 2 School Parade
In 1963 the honorable Willie Pittman wanted to give the youth of Englewood an alternative to gangs and negative influences. The forming of The Central Englewood Drum and Bugle Corps at 65th and Green Street was the first step. Its members practiced after school by marching through the streets of Peoria and Morgan. After the decline of violence, Pittman saw a greater opportunity for the community and to our advantage the Central Englewood Drum and Bugle Corps was renamed and the Englewood Back To School Parade was born. The parade was created by Pitt- man to galvanize hope and to encourage the youth to stay in school and pursue education, thus developing the theme, “Education Is The Key To The Future.”
The Englewood Back To School Parade welcomes school supplies and donations. Sponsorship packages are still available by contacting Englewood Back to School Parade Committee, P.O. Box 21069, Chicago, IL 60621 (773) 619-7247 [email protected] or visiting the website: www.englewoodparade.org.
The Englewood Back To School Parade is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. Your contribution is tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.
