A shocking incident occurred at the 2024 Bud Billiken Parade, where a man was injured in a shooting. The Bud Billiken Parade, recognized as the largest African American parade in the United States, was marred by violence on Saturday, August 10, 2024. Reports indicate that a fight involving more than a dozen individuals led to law enforcement officers being dispatched to the west side of the street during the event. Additionally, there were reports of stampedes as participants and spectators fled the area where the shots were fired.
About the Bud Billiken Parade
The Bud Billiken® Parade is more than just a parade of bands and floats; it honors history and celebrates the future of the African American community in Chicago. Since its inception in 1929, “The Bud” has been a unifying event, bringing together Chicago’s African-American community each summer with laughter, food, dance, and music. It’s one of the few occasions where the historical ties that firmly root the community on Chicago’s South Side are publicly and sincerely acknowledged.
This year’s parade holds significance beyond entertainment. It is the second-largest procession in American history, following the Rose Bowl. Now in its 95th year, the tradition continues under the leadership of Myiti Sengstacke-Rice, great-grandniece of the founder and current president and CEO of Chicago Defender Charities, Inc. The parade upholds Abbott’s mission to enrich the lives of Chicago’s youth and emphasizes the importance of the “Back to School” initiative. The Bud Billiken® Parade is unique in its embodiment of youthful spirit and its deep historical significance, continuing to inspire the community year after year.
