Rain Couldn’t Dampen the Spirit of Harlem at the 57th Annual African American Day Parade!

By Stephanie Woods-Mckinney 

Rain may have fallen over Harlem, but it did little to dampen the energy, pride and community spirit surrounding the 57th Annual African American Day Parade on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026.

The annual parade traveled along Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard, where announcer Dr. Bob Lee and co-announcer Keri Singleton welcomed residents, community organizations, businesses, marching groups, cultural organizations and spectators for one of Harlem’s longstanding celebrations of Black heritage and achievement.

The weather proved challenging, with rain falling throughout portions of the day and becoming heavy at times. But umbrellas, ponchos and wet streets did not prevent the community from showing up and strutting down the avenue. Instead, Harlem showed its resilience.

Members of the New York Association of Black Journalists (NYABJ), led by President Cynthia Horner, joined the community for a day that demonstrated the enduring importance of Black culture, visibility and togetherness in New York City.

Organizations continued to march, while spectators remained along the parade route. Music, performances and cultural expressions filled the streets as people greeted friends and neighbors and celebrated together. As always, Black pride filled the streets.

The atmosphere reflected the camaraderie that has helped make the African American Day Parade a Harlem tradition. Beyond the procession, attendees enjoyed food, culture, fellowship and the unmistakable sense of community surrounding the celebration.

This year’s theme, “Good Businesses Sustain Our Future,” placed additional emphasis on Black-owned businesses, entrepreneurship and the role economic empowerment plays in strengthening Black communities. Founded in 1968 during the Civil Rights Movement, the African American Day Parade continues to showcase Black excellence.

For journalists and media professionals, events such as the African American Day Parade also provide an opportunity to document the people, organizations and stories that make up New York’s Black communities and according to Horner, who is highly respected in media and entertainment “Black media is under attack and face a highly coordinated systemic effort to eliminate and suppress diverse reporting and I would like to see more media marching in solidarity as we move forward.” 

According to Horner, who is highly respected in media and entertainment, the presence of Black journalists at events like the parade is more important than ever.

“Black media is under attack and faces a highly coordinated, systemic effort to eliminate and suppress diverse reporting,” Horner said. “I would like to see more media marching in solidarity as we move forward.”

The presence of NYABJ reflected that responsibility — not simply to observe history and culture from a distance, but to be present in the communities whose stories journalists tell.

NYABJ member Gail Hall, also known as Anointed Mic Check, proudly served as an honorary member of the parade. Hall celebrated the joy and Black pride that filled the streets, noting the sense of unity shared by those in attendance.

Despite the rain, Harlem once again demonstrated that its spirit cannot be washed away. The African American Day Parade remains a powerful celebration of Black history, culture, business and community — and a reminder of the importance of showing up for one another.