History
Initially, Abbott had created a day for the members of the Bud Billiken Club and the youth who sold his newspapers to be an annual November event. However, by 1929 the day of fun had morphed into a summer-time celebration and parade, dubbed in 1929 as the Bud Billiken Day Parade. It is the largest parade and picnic of its kind in the United States, and draws over a million viewers each year.
The Club was dedicated to supporting Chicago’s black youth, and frequently paid tribute to outstanding individuals. In 1935 the Club honored Cleotis Brittenum of Holly Springs, Mississippi for selling more Defender subscriptions “than any other Billiken.” At the annual Parade Cleotis rode in style on a white and gold float with the American Legion Drum and Bugle Corps broadcasting his ride through the South Side.
Today, the Bud Billiken Club is also known as Bud Billiken Youth. Eighty-two years later, the organization has grown into a year-round program that supports youth with financial and academic help. They also continue to shine the light on outstanding young people that may have otherwise gone unnoticed.
Read more about this topic: Bud Billiken Club
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