August 7, 2015
WBEZ’s Morning Shift
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In 1929, the Chicago Defender newspaper started a local parade in Bronzeville to mark the beginning of the new school year. Over the last eight-plus decades, that little parade has grown into one of the largest in the country. It’s nationally televised and features big name celebrities alongside kids and adults from the community. We’re talking, of course, about the Bud Billiken Parade, which kicks off its 86th installment Saturday on King Drive at 10 am sharp.

Here to talk about the parade’s history and answer the question that lots of folks still have — who is Bud Biliken? — is Retired U.S. Army Colonel Eugene Scott. He’s the parade’s chairman and head of Chicago Defender Charities. And one of the new floats this year is called the “Stop Police Crimes” float. We hear more details about the newest addition from Frank Chapman of the Chicago Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression.

By CCNM

I have functioned as a Business and Media Consultant over the past sixteen years and spent many years developing my capacity to function in our ever evolving use of technology, communication, education and training.