Saturday, February 22, 2014
February is Black History Month across the nation and here in Atlanta the numerous events that have been happening around the city have brought delight, thought provoking discussions, art, dance and spoken word to the residents who call Atlanta their home. One of the culminating events of the whole month happened this past Saturday with the 3rd annual Black History Month Parade. I, along with hundreds of onlookers, were entertained with local marching band performances, floats, motorcycle and car clubs, girl scout troops, members of the YMCA, and many others. 110 groups marched down Auburn Ave. around noon with the parade lasting a little over an hour in any one spot along the mile route. One of the highlights included the Legends Marching Band that flew in from the Bahamas to perform in the parade. I met a bunch of nice people who stood along the street watching as the parade passed while getting some exercise as I took photos up and down the route.
Towers High School marching band’s Rondarian Hicks marches down Auburn Ave. in Atlanta during the Black History Month Parade on Saturday, February 22, 2014.
Towers High School marching band’s Donel Heflin marches down Auburn Ave. in Atlanta during the Black History Month Parade on Saturday, February 22, 2014.
Haleigh Blackmon dances her way down Auburn Ave. in Atlanta during the Black History Month Parade on Saturday, February 22, 2014.
Kimora Riggins (center) performs a step routine with other members of Alluring Blaze during the Black History Month Parade in Atlanta on Saturday, February 22, 2014.
Ric Jones (left) waves to the crowd as he makes his way down Auburn Ave. in Atlanta during the Black History Month Parade on Saturday, February 22, 2014.
J.P. Moton rides his motorcycle down Auburn Ave. in Atlanta during the Black History Month Parade on Saturday, February 22, 2014.
Carolyn Freeman (center), otherwise known as the Atlanta Falcons Bird Lady, dances as she rides down Auburn Ave. in Atlanta during the Black History Month Parade on Saturday, February 22, 2014.
Cyann Faulcon (right) sits with her mother as the Douglas High School marching band make their way down Auburn Ave. in Atlanta during the Black History Month Parade on Saturday, February 22, 2014.
Douglas High School marching band’s Peter Smith carries his tuba as they make their way down Auburn Ave. in Atlanta during the Black History Month Parade on Saturday, February 22, 2014.
Flo Gaines (left), Arlesa Acholes and JoeAnn Lindsey wave to the crowd as they ride a float down Auburn Ave. in Atlanta during the Black History Month Parade on Saturday, February 22, 2014.
Brownies Zaniya Finney (left), Patricia Weatherspoon and Marquisha Franklin wave to the crowd as they make their way down Auburn Ave. in Atlanta during the Black History Month Parade on Saturday, February 22, 2014.
Jazmine Scroggins (left) and Whitney Johnson wave to the crowd as they make their way down Auburn Ave. in Atlanta during the Black History Month Parade on Saturday, February 22, 2014.
Auryanna Bellard (left) waves to the crowd as she rides on the hood of an SUV down Auburn Ave. in Atlanta during the Black History Month Parade on Saturday, February 22, 2014.
Dre Frazier rides his quad in a wheelie down Auburn Ave. in Atlanta during the Black History Month Parade on Saturday, February 22, 2014.
Dre Frazier rides his quad in a wheelie down Auburn Ave. in Atlanta during the Black History Month Parade on Saturday, February 22, 2014.
Aaron Butler (center) watches as a group of cars make their way down Auburn Ave. in Atlanta during the Black History Month Parade on Saturday, February 22, 2014.
Monique Lloyd (center) cracks her whip as she makes her way down Auburn Ave. in Atlanta during the Black History Month Parade on Saturday, February 22, 2014.
Kenval Thomas (left) walks on a pair of stilts as he reaches down to give a high five to Andrea Sigala during the Black History Month Parade in Atlanta on Saturday, February 22, 2014.
Ashwanna Gordon (center) carries a flag as she marches down Auburn Ave. in Atlanta with the Legends Marching Band from the Bahamas during the Black History Month Parade on Saturday, February 22, 2014.
Kaile Renaud (center) dances with her mother as the Legends Marching Band from the Bahamas make their way down Auburn Ave. in Atlanta during the Black History Month Parade on Saturday, February 22, 2014.
Robin Roberson (left) and her husband Raymond wave to the crowd as they make their way down Auburn Ave. in Atlanta during the Black History Month Parade on Saturday, February 22, 2014.