Courtesy of GSU Communications
Grambling State University’s World Famed Tiger Marching Band will return to Harlem this fall to lead the 57th African American Day Parade on Sunday, September 20, continuing a relationship with the historic celebration that dates to its inaugural parade in 1969.
The World Famed will take its place at the front of the annual procession along Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard, bringing one of Grambling State’s most recognized traditions to the heart of Harlem.
The University’s history with the parade began in 1969, when the marching band opened the inaugural African American Day Parade. Adam Clayton Powell Jr. and Shirley Chisholm served as the parade’s first grand marshals. Created to provide positive representation and celebrate Black heritage and achievement, the parade has grown into a nationally recognized Harlem tradition.
The World Famed’s appearance comes during a milestone year for Grambling State, which is commemorating 125 years of academic excellence, and the band, which is celebrating 100 years of music, performance and tradition.
“Grambling State has long understood the power of our traditions to bring people together and carry our story far beyond the boundaries of campus,” said Martin Lemelle, Jr., D.BA., president of Grambling State University. “As we return to Harlem this year, it is especially meaningful to see the World Famed lead a parade that Grambling (State) helped open more than five decades ago. During this milestone year, our students have another opportunity to represent generations of Tigers and share the excellence and spirit of Grambling State on a national stage.”
The African American Day Parade was founded in Harlem in 1968, with the first parade held the following year. Its mission centers on celebrating African American culture, heritage and unity while recognizing the accomplishments and contributions of the community.
For today’s student musicians, leading the parade offers an opportunity to represent Grambling State before a national audience while carrying forward a tradition established by generations before them.
“Our students know that when they put on the World Famed uniform, they represent far more than themselves,” said Nikole Roebuck, Ph.D., Director of Bands at Grambling State University. “To lead the African American Day Parade during our centennial year, knowing that Grambling State musicians were part of this tradition from its beginning, is a tremendous honor. We look forward to representing our University, honoring those who came before us and bringing the sound, pride and excellence of the World Famed to Harlem.”
The 2026 African American Day Parade is scheduled for Sunday, September 20, along Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard in Harlem. This year’s theme, “Good Businesses Sustain Our Future,” recognizes the contributions of Black-owned businesses to economic opportunity and stronger communities.
Grambling State’s participation in the parade has continued across generations. President Lemelle, who served as one of several HBCU president grand marshals and participated on the University’s float during the 2025 parade, will return to Harlem this year as a float participant while the World Famed leads the procession.
For the latest local news, subscribe FOR FREE to the Lincoln Parish Journal and receive an email each weekday morning at 6:55 right to your inbox. Just CLICK HERE to sign up.
