As a little boy growing up on the south side of Chicago, state Rep. Michael Murphy, D-Lansing, would watch one of the nation's oldest and largest black parades march down his street every year.
Chicago's Bud Billiken Parade became Murphy's inspiration in creating this weekend's fifth annual African American Parade and Family Reunion Picnic in Lansing, Murphy said.
"Every year, I'd go to it. For a couple of years, I was even in it," Murphy said. "I would ride on the floats and wave to all the people.
"I just wanted a positive, fun-filled and exciting event like that here. Everyone loves a good parade."
Hosted by the Capital City African-American Cultural Association Inc., the parade begins at 11 a.m. Saturday, marching down North Capitol Avenue to Allegan Street. The picnic begins shortly after at Ferris Park, 100 N. Pine St.
Food, live entertainment, games and cultural exhibits will be some of the free services and events available at the picnic.
New additions to this year's schedule include a health-awareness tent showcasing disease prevention information and healthy living tips, as well as a genealogy tent to help people trace their family roots.
The parade's grand marshal, Eva Evans, was the former deputy superintendent of Lansing Public Schools and is part of a pre-dominantly black post-graduate sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha. Murphy said the association carefully considered candidates for the position.
"It really is the highest honor to have (at the parade)," Murphy said. "She is very respected."
This is Evans' first year participating in the event but was a spectator previously. She said it's important for not only the black population in the area to attend, but also the rest of the community.
"As being a part of the festival, I think the community will be able to learn all about the people in it," Evans said. "They learn about the customs, the food, the music."
Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority members of the East Lansing chapter will march in the parade.
"We thought, we're a community-based organization, so being in the parade would be just another service to the community," said Barbara McLeod, East Lansing chapter treasurer.
