The Bud Billiken Parade is more than a procession of bands and floats marching down King Drive. Every summer since 1929, “The Bud” has united African-Americans throughout the city of Chicago in music, dance, food, and laughter. It’s one of the only spaces where Black people can openly and emphatically praise the historic roots of the South Side of Chicago. What is Bud Billiken? “Bud” a junior pen-name for a column in the Chicago Defender, and “Billiken” is a Chinese mythical character that represents a protector over children. Billikens bring happiness and joy throughout the land. It used to be a popular children’s doll back in the 1920’s and 30’s. This year, the parade is celebrating it’s 93rd birthday.

The parade was spearheaded by the Chicago Defender newspaper in 1929, and generations of south-side Chicagoans have participated in the event since. Myiti Sengstacke-Rice, the President and CEO of the Chicago Defender shares with Travel Noire that “The parade is a culmination of all the hard work of our community organization, the kids, the dance, drill and performance teams. It’s not just about one day. The work that goes into it is 365.” A big tradition at the Bud is barbequing. Everybody brings their grill. It’s one big family reunion, five generations of families have been attending this parade.

Shkunna Stewart, co-director of Billiken, comes from a lineage of dance leaders making her the fourth generation of Stewarts to win first place on several occasions with her dance group. Stewart recalls the traditions of preparing custom uniforms and themes, practicing with the kids, and preparing for the big day in general. Stewart shares “the last night before the parade is exciting, anxiety-inducing, and nerve-racking!” Stewart leads the dance group “Bringing Out Talent,” which was featured in the projection among over 100 local dancers. “Our new work for Art on theMART channels the long history of Chicago’s Bud Billiken Parade,” said Wills Glasspiegel. “Our work celebrates and extends the parade’s history from the south side to theMART downtown, inviting youth dancers and dance companies to shine at a scale that befits their brilliance.”

bud billiken parade