Chicago's Bud Billiken Parade brings thousands together ahead of the new school year

The Bud Billiken Parade celebrated its 97th year, remaining one of the largest and longest-running parades in the country. Thousands gathered along Martin Luther King Drive on the South Side to mark the start of the new school year. For attendees like Valerie Cadenhead, the event is a cherished family tradition passed down through generations. The iconic celebration continues to bring families together, providing lasting stories and community connection as students prepare for their upcoming academic terms.