PHOTOS: The 89th Annual Bud Billiken Parade graces King Drive

The annual favorite among many of Chicago’s African-Americans returned to Martin Luther King Drive on Saturday. In its 89th run, the Bud Billiken parade featured several prominent figures including grand marshals actor Deon Cole and rapper Vic Mensa, and Mayor Rahm Emanuel. The Bud Billiken parade was founded by Robert Sengstacke Abbott, the man who founded the Chicago Defender at a tumultuous time for race relations the United States. It remains a fall tradition credited with encouraging pride in the children returning to school.

The Chi-Town Cats perform in Bud Billiken Day Parade on August 11, 2018. | Max Herman/For the Sun-Times

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The Geek Squad dance company performs at the Bud Billiken Day Parade on August 11, 2018. | Max Herman/For the Sun-Times

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Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan rides in the Bud Billiken Day Parade on August 11, 2018. | Max Herman/For the Sun-Times

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Rapper Vic Mensa prepares to kick off the Bud Billiken Day Parade as grand marshall on August 11, 2018. | Max Herman/For the Sun-Times

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JB Pritzker and Juliana Stratton walk in the Bud Billiken Day Parade on August 11, 2018. | Max Herman/For the Sun-Times

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Iris Carr greets actor Jason Mitchell at the Bud Billiken Day Parade on August 11, 2018. | Max Herman/For the Sun-Times

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Diana Riley, a parent walking with Rich Central High School Marching Olympians, gives water to a drummer during the Bud Billiken Day Parade on August 11, 2018. | Max Herman/For the Sun-Times

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Members of the Bringing Out Talent dance company perform in the Bud Billiken Day Parade on August 11, 2018. | Max Herman/For the Sun-Times

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Mickelanie Vickers watches as Bringing Out Talent dance company performs at the Bud Billiken Day Parade on August 11, 2018. | Max Herman/For the Sun-Times

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Youth in the Royal Court help lead the Bud Billiken Day Parade. | Max Herman/For the Sun-Times

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• LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: Marching in the Bud Billiken parade is a thrill that lasts a lifetime
• Bud Billiken Day Parade reaches 89th year