The Englewood Back To School Parade Returns!
“Education Is The Key To The Futureâ€
CHICAGO, IL – On Saturday August 15, 2015, the Englewood community will celebrate the 53rd anniversary of the Englewood Back To School Parade. The Englewood Back To School Parade has long been a part of Englewood’s cultural history. It is the second oldest African-American parade in Chicago. Since its inception in 1963, by community leader Willie Pittman, the parade has ignited hope and encouraged youth to stay in school and pursue education, thus developing the theme, “Education Is The Key To The Future.â€
After much anticipation, the parade returned from a two-year hiatus in 2014 under new leadership. Last year some 2,000 attendees showed up for the excitement of the festivities, performances and the tradition of the parade returning to the Englewood community.
This year’s parade is expected to be bigger and bolder with performances from local Chicago artists and community vendor participation. The parade will also include free food, free back-to-school supplies and entertainment. This year’s sponsors include: U.S. Bank, Marquette Bank, White Castle, Graham Funeral Directors and Cremation Services, LLC, and I Grow Chicago.
“We want to give the youth hope and get them excited about returning back to school by providing them with the necessary tools. The parade will also give the residents a sense of pride, knowing that people still care about the community,†says Maurice “Pha-tal†Perkins, Parade Organizer.
Food and school supplies donations are welcomed. Sponsorship packages are available by contacting Englewood Back to School Parade Committee, P.O. Box 21069, Chicago, IL 60621 (773) 619-7247 englewoodparade@gmail.com.
The parade schedule:
·     8:30 a.m. -10:00 a.m. Dignitary Breakfast at Sikia Restaurant (at Kennedy
King College) Â and Day of Registration-56th Halsted
·     10:30 a.m. Parade precession 56th Halsted (south on Halsted) then      west 67th to Throop
·    1:00 p.m. -4:00 p.m. Parade finale and celebration at Ogden Park 65th Racine.
For more information, contact Englewood Back to School Parade Committee
Nicole Vaughn   (773)-619-7247
Maurice “Pha-tal†Perkins (312)-296-4130
Sandra Streeter (312)-288-5935
