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New York - The 2007 African American Day Parade in Harlem this past
September 16 unfolded under beautiful skies, with just a hint of
coolness in the air as a reminder of Autumn just around the corner. But
with colorful floats, energetic marching bands from within and outside
the New York area, multiple organizations, some with message-oriented
content, and historical representations, all parading by in front of
thousands of people lining both sides of the route from 112th Street
through 141st Street in Harlem - for yet another year there was a bold
spectacle and statement of the African American presence in Harlem, the 'black
capital' of the USA, and in the eyes of many, the world.
 With the reality of regentrification upon them, several onlookers were
of the opinion that the attendance had dwindled somewhat during recent
years. Noticeable has been the absence of some participants who were
visible in previous parades. One such casualty is the
Harlem All
Stars Steel
Orchestra last seen in the 2003 showing. Back then, several of
the familiar faces on the Brooklyn steelpan scene could be seen 'taking
a knock' (playing) with Harlem All Stars as they were accompanied by
supporters and pan lovers who alternately chipped alongside and pulled
the pan musicians and their racks of instruments along the parade route.
Additionally, even powerhouse trade union District Council 37 had
chosen to showcase
Emmanuel 'Jack' Riley along with other pan players atop their
float that year (pictured above); but
interestingly, none
were to be seen in 2007.
 Nevertheless, the
celebration and proud character of the African American presence was still clear and proud
in the many contingents who saluted the crowd as they danced, marched,
drove and walked past. These included Harlem Hospital's medical personnel
who smiled and waved to cheering onlookers. So too did the African
American representation of well-known trade unions including Transport Workers Union (TWU)
Local 100 with president Roger Toussaint, lodge chapters, fraternity pledges, black membership
from the Fire and other uniformed departments, youth and educational institutions,
socially, politically, historically and culturally conscious
organizations, and many more. Organizations seized the opportunity to draw attention to
a rapidly changing Harlem; a couple took time to vocally and visually warn against what they
said was the inequity and negative impact of regentrification on the area's long-time
residents. All had their time 'under the sun.'
 Even politicians devoted some quality time to greeting constituents,
including Charles Rangel who rode near the head of the parade, and
fellow congressman Anthony Weiner (pictured)
who decided to walk the route; the
latter charmed many lining the boulevard with his apparent openness toward
and interaction with them. But many Harlemites were openly disgruntled
about what they viewed as a very bad 'slight' - the absence of both Democratic
presidential hopefuls Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. A few angrily
said that Clinton was present at the Labor Day parade in Brooklyn on
September 3, but did not take time to extend the same courtesy to
Harlem; present only were her supporters and paraphernalia. Others were equally annoyed
that Obama apparently behaved in like fashion and treated them the same way by not turning up;
they were additionally peeved that his supporters were distributing small
'stickers' with his name to be worn in support, but that supporting
T-Shirts were being sold at ten dollars apiece.
With every event there are usually short-comings. But while perceived
faux pas might have been the case on the part of some in the public eye,
the marching bands and historically black and other familiar and
long-standing organizations drew large and appreciative applause as they
made their way along the parade route. Onlookers had equal enthusiasm
for freebies being distributed, especially the red, black and green
flags that reigned supreme on that day and flew with unbridled pride -
and for the dancers, percussionists, musicians, individuals, and
community and other organizations who ruled the
street.
 Closing the parade around six in the evening were the Black Cowboys who
drew 'oohs' and 'aahs' as the first of their crew on the scene expertly
'cracked' his two whips as many watched in awe. Some of the riders
brought their horses up close and personal to the spectators, some of
whom were pleased, and even bold enough to 'pet' the horses as the
even-tempered animals good-naturedly stood their ground. (This was not
limited to the youngsters, but also included some adults who were 'young-at-heart!') Of course, some children were a bit more faint of
heart, including one young lady who fled at top speed through her
father's legs as one horse gently approached the spot where she was
perched mere moments before.
It was another day of proud and determined tradition for the African American Parade in Harlem, USA. It is commemorated here in pictures and video for
those who could not be there, and for those who enjoy reliving the event
all over again.
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African American Day Parade 2007
in Pictures |
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©2007 All Rights Reserved |
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