2026 Annual Veterans’ Parade

by Jewelean Magee

The 5th annual African American Veterans Arts and Culture Corporation will take place on August 29, 2026, from 2pm – 4pm.

Due to the construction on Jefferson Ave., the parade will start at Jefferson and Best, and will march down Best street to Masten Ave. From Masten Ave, the parade will turn right on Dodge Street and march down to the Johnnie B. Wiley Amateur Athletic Sports and Pavilion Stadium for a mini stand down located at 1100 Jefferson Ave. Vendors for the mini stand down that will have tables of information and resources for veterans and their families.

The grand marshals for this year will be Mr. Louis “Bobby” Robinson (Vietnam Era Veteran) and Ms. Doris Brooks., who both served in the U.S. Army. Members of the Johnetta R. Am. Vets. Post 24 and volunteers will carry banners from all 12 wars, portraying African American men and women in costumes.

This parade like others in the past, is designed to educate the community and give knowledge on the roles that service men and women had to deal with, such as hardships, sacrifices, and segregation down through the years so we can enjoy the freedoms of today, tomorrow, and always.

It is not too late to volunteer and donate to the African American Arts and Culture Corporation parade. Please contact Ms. Debbera Ransom at 716 – 563- 2536 for more information.