May Day! A St. Louis Tradition Steps into the Spring Sunshine

[slider_pro id=”2″]

St. Louis- Brittany Blount

St. Louisans celebrated the 124^th annual Annie Malone May Day Parade downtown on Sunday, May 20. People of all ages gathered to watch local organizations and businesses showcase their causes with floats, marching bands, dance routines and musical performances.

“I had a nice time,” Eric Logan, 22, said. “I go to the parade usually every three years or so. It gets better every year I go.”

Organized by the Annie Malone Children and Family Service Center, the event is the second largest African-American parade in the country, behind Chicago’s Bud Billiken Parade, according to center CEO Angela Starks. The center was created by Annie Malone, one of the first wealthy African-American entrepreneurs in Missouri. It is dedicated to helping families in crisis or need.

Rodney Lowery, 42, attends the parade every year. Born and raised in St. Louis, he began marching when he was ten years old.

“I was awfully young. It was frightening, fun, tiring, hot,” Lowery said. “But the heat doesn’t bother me. I love it. The parade is a huge impact on the city that represents people of color.”

Lowery worked in business management with the Annie Malone Children and Family Service Center for two years. He said that the parade has come a long way in terms of growth, attendance and participation over the years. Although Lowery did not walk in this year’s parade, he said he will continue to attend as a spectator every year.

Learn More:
http://www.anniemalone.com/

Read More:

• Annie Malone Children and Family Service Center
• Survivors and Innovators: The Shared Legacy of Annie Malone and Madam C.J. Walker