The parade was a wonderful combination of dignitaries, vendors and culture in the greatest community in the world Harlem.


Vendors sold soul food, cold drinks, buttons, flags, and t-shirts. Dignitaries Comptroller Bill Thompson, Congressman Charles Rangel, President of NY State NAACP conference, Hazel Dukes greeted Harlem residents and posed for pictures. While bands, new police cadets, The Nation of Islam and others marched in bright cultural attire and crisp uniforms representing African American pride in the Heart of Harlem.

Photographs and text by David Makonnen II and Bridget Smith