African American Parade in Harlem
Lisa DuBois | NYS, United States
Organization: SDN
Photographer: Lisa DuBois
Organization: SDN
Exhibit Title: African American Parade in Harlem
Location: NYS, United States
A parade is a dynamic and exhilarating manifestation of identity and pride; however, is it merely a parade, or does it represent the ultimate form of cultural survival in a changing world?
The annual African American Day Parade (AADP) in Harlem began in 1969 and continues today as a testament to the resilience of Black culture. Cultural preservation is an established principle for African Americans, spanning from the arrival of the first slave ship to the Civil Rights Movement and continuing to the present day.
The marchers and the people behind the scenes at the AADP are the true culture warriors. They understand the symbolism of the parade and the importance of uniting communities in a powerful display of heritage and solidarity. It is a tradition for the parade to honor the ancestors no longer with us to ensure that the stories, struggles, and successes of the Black community remain visible and celebrated.
In todays world people instinctively understand that if they don't actively preserve their culture, it may become distorted or lost forever.
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