Harlem Light Parade brightens up 125th St.
Caribbean Life, Nov. 29-Dec. 5, 2019 3
By Shaye Weaver
The 26th Annual “Harlem Light It
Up,” the city’s only parade of lights,
flowed down 125th Street from
Morningside Avenue on Thursday
night with performances, 10 colorful
floats and costumed characters,
from the Grinch to Santa Claus (and
even Black Panther).
The 125th Street Business
Improvement District has organized
the parade to make it a tradition
each year. This year, it selected three
grand marshals to lead the procession
— social activist and one
of the exonerated “Central Park 5,”
Korey Wise, actor and singer Laiona
Michelle, and entrepreneur Leah
Abraham.
Ten floats, along with eight slingshot
cars — each sponsored by a Harlem
community organization, local
political leader, business or community
board — made their way down
the street that evening. Throughout
the day, children also had photo
opportunities with Disney Marvel’s
superheroes Spider-Man and Back
Panther, and enjoyed face painting
and an appearance by the Snow
Queen. There were free health and
fitness screenings for all. Manhattan
Borough President Gail Brewer also
hosted her annual VIP reception at
the event.
“Our goal was to make this event
a signature event for New York City
— it’s the only illuminated parade
in the city,” said Barbara Askins,
the president and CEO of the 125th
Street BID. “I think we accomplished
it this year. Harlem has so much talent
and resources and this event is
designed to allow those who are here
and love Harlem to do what they do
best. It’s not just the vision of one –
it’s the vision of the community.”