4th Annual Parade to Celebrate African American Military Service
Colonel Malik Freeman
2025 Parade Grand Marshal
U.S. Army, Director of Logistics, JFHQ-DC
Specialist 4 Angelina Franklin
2025 Parade Grand Marshal
U.S. Army Veteran, 545 th Ordnance Company
Buffalo, get ready to line the streets, wave your flags, and celebrate excellence in service, sacrifice, and spirit! The 4th Annual Parade presented by the African American Veterans Arts and Culture Corporation will step off on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at 2:00 PM, launching from Jefferson Avenue and Riley Street and marching proudly to Jefferson and Dodge Street.
This year's theme is “Honoring Our African American Military Heroes and Sheroes”, and the parade promises to be more than just a march—it's a heartfelt tribute to those who have served with honor, courage, and distinction.
From Buffalo’s own streets to the commanding halls of military leadership, Colonel Malik Freeman is a decorated officer whose service reflects the very best of our community. Born right here in Buffalo in 1974, Freeman is a proud graduate of Leonardo Da Vinci High School. His military journey began through ROTC at Southern Illinois University, where he commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 1997.
Currently serving as Director of Logistics, Joint Staff, Joint Force Headquarters – DC, Colonel Freeman’s career is a tapestry of leadership, from combat operations in Iraq to high-level logistical coordination and fiscal management for the U.S. Army. He holds multiple degrees, including a Master of Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College, and his long list of military decorations includes the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, and the Iraq Campaign Medal.
Beyond the battlefield, Colonel Freeman is a community leader and father of four. He resides in Maryland with his wife, Akiba, and remains deeply committed to civic engagement and service, including his work with Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
A trailblazer in her own right, Specialist 4 Angelina Franklin proudly served as a Storage Specialist with the 545th Ordnance Company under United States Army Europe from 1980 to 1983, continuing in the U.S. Army Reserve until 1985. Her role was critical to maintaining logistics and ordnance operations overseas—essential functions that kept missions moving and soldiers equipped.
Specialist Franklin’s dedication earned her the Army Good Conduct Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, and the M16 Sharpshooter Badge—a recognition of her exceptional precision and military readiness.
Franklin exemplifies strength, determination, and the vital roles women have played in U.S. military history. Her selection as a Grand Marshal is a fitting tribute to her years of honorable service and the often-unsung work of women in uniform.
As the last drumbeat echoes at the parade’s end on Jefferson and Dodge Street, the celebration continues with a Veterans Mini Stand Down—a vital post-parade resource fair where veterans and their families can receive support and information about available benefits and services.
Expect a vibrant blend of veterans, local organizations, and community pride, all set against the backdrop of honoring African American contributions to the armed forces.
Gather the family, and bring your gratitude.
This is more than a parade—it’s a movement of remembrance, recognition, and respect.
Let’s show up and show out for our 2025 Grand Marshals, our veterans, and our shared history of courage and community.