Bud Billiken at 97: More Than a Parade, It’s the Heartbeat of Chicago

By Logan Paige

For 97 years, the Bud Billiken Parade has been one of Chicago’s most anticipated traditions and one of the largest celebrations of African American culture in the country. As summer begins to wind down and families prepare for another school year, the parade brings generations of Chicagoans together on the South Side for a day centered around culture, community, and celebration.

A South Side Tradition

For the South Side, Bud Billiken represents much more than a parade. It is a symbol of pride, history, and tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation. I couldn’t have been happier to experience that atmosphere firsthand.

This year, I had the opportunity to walk along the parade route, interact with families, and hand out giveaways to children preparing to head back to school. One of the most rewarding moments was seeing the excitement surrounding the backpack giveaways and watching families come together to enjoy food, music, fellowship, and each other’s company.

The Power of Community

There was a genuine sense of camaraderie throughout the parade. You could see neighbors supporting neighbors, families creating lifelong memories, and community organizations making sure young people felt celebrated as they prepared for another school year.

It served as a powerful reminder that community is still one of the greatest strengths we have.

A Conversation with Mayor Brandon Johnson

I also had the opportunity to speak with Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson during the parade. While questions surrounding his political future and the upcoming mayoral election remain, Mayor Johnson reflected on what made this year’s Bud Billiken Parade especially meaningful.

He noted that the celebration comes at a time when public institutions have faced increasing challenges from the federal government, making it even more important for communities to come together and recognize the vital role those institutions play in our daily lives.

Johnson also emphasized the importance of investing in education, saying Illinois must ensure those with greater financial means contribute their fair share so public schools can be fully funded and every child has access to the resources and opportunities they deserve.

His comments added another layer to the day’s celebration. While Bud Billiken is deeply rooted in tradition, the conversations surrounding the parade also reflected many of the issues Black communities continue to face today—from education and public investment to protecting the institutions that serve us.

Bridging Communities

One of the most inspiring aspects of the parade was the diversity of people it brought together. Longtime South Side residents, young families, children, community leaders, business owners, and visitors all shared the same streets in celebration.

In a city that can sometimes feel divided by neighborhoods and circumstance, Bud Billiken creates a rare moment where those differences seem to disappear.

A Personal Reflection

For me personally, the experience carried an even deeper meaning.

Growing up on Chicago’s North Side, moments like Bud Billiken have always helped me feel more connected to my culture and to the broader Black Chicago community. Seeing thousands of people gather around a tradition that has endured for nearly a century was both inspiring and humbling.

As someone who works in Black media, I also understand the importance of documenting moments like these. Our communities have rich traditions and powerful stories that deserve to be preserved and passed down to future generations.

Experiencing Bud Billiken not only as a journalist but also as a Chicagoan made the day even more meaningful.

Still Making Chicago Proud

The Bud Billiken Parade continues to demonstrate what happens when community takes center stage. From children receiving backpacks, to families reconnecting, performers energizing the streets, and elders passing down traditions, the parade remains a celebration of where we’ve come from—and a reminder of where we can go.

After 97 years, Bud Billiken is still giving Chicago something to be proud of.

And I’m grateful I had the opportunity to experience it firsthand.

Chicago through my lens.

Yours truly,

Logan Paige

@lepreports