Since 1929, the Bud Billiken Parade has continued to highlight the significance of education, through encouraging children and youth to read and study, and by supporting parents, teachers and schools. The benefits of setting priorities and teaching students to excel academically are necessary in the 21st century. On the second Saturday of August, Chicagoans plan with family, friends and neighborhood groups to assemble along the two mile parade route on Dr. Martin Luther King Boulevard to cheer, encourage and herald the importance of education to children and youth.
The Bud Billiken Parade heralds the importance of education in this changing global society. Education is like a "rising tide that lifts all people." Through the Bud Billiken Scholarship Program, the Chicago Defender Charities has supported the college education of over seventy students in the past ten years, contributing over 1.5 million dollars in scholarship funds. Today, many former scholars have completed college; and, many are attending graduate school or are gainfully employed. Please take time to encourage children in your circle of outreach to study, to work hard and to do well in school. The importance of our mission is exemplified by the words of the Late Honorable Nelson Mandela, former President of South Africa. "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world."