On Sunday, September 20, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York had the honor of marching in the 57th Annual African American Day Parade in Harlem to celebrate Black culture, heritage, and unity.
The cohort included dancers and marchers from Project Performing Arts, a multidisciplinary youth arts organization that works out of The Lt. Joseph P. Kennedy Center in Harlem, organization Catholic Charities of New York’s own Alianza Division, and the Lady Lions K–8 dance team from Saint Charles Borromeo Catholic School, decked out in their school uniforms. At major intersections along the parade route, dancers put on electrifying performances for the crowd.
“This is an opportunity to celebrate Black culture, Black history, and Catholic Charities in faith,” said Lakisha Morris, Director of Food & Housing Stability. “It means everything to me to see our culture shine; to be able to come out, come together, and collaborate.”
The Catholic Charities of New York float was also joined by leaders and parishioners from local Catholic churches, including St. Joseph of the Holy Family and Chapel of the Resurrection. Services staff passed out snacks, water, water bottles to the crowd from the Feeding Our Neighbors van. Harlem was out in force to cheer on marchers.
Members of the cohort also met and spoke with local leaders including Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal and State Assemblymember Al Taylor.
For Bobby Gates, Program Director for the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP), participating in the parade carried personal significance. “As an African American, it means a lot to have a chance to embrace my culture, embrace my people, embrace our heritage, and just seeing everybody dance and have fun,” he said. “We made great memories.”
Gabrielle Mitchell, SYEP Program Coordinator, concurred. “It was fun to really represent our culture and everything Catholic Charities stands for — you know, serving the people!”
