Black Veterans in Brooklyn’s Bedford Stuy know how to represent on Memorial Day. The Camden Sophisticated Sisters Drill Team, a youth group that starred on Dancing with the Stars, was saluted by Beyonce on a video, and featured with Robin Roberts on ABC News, will headline the Second Annual Black Veterans for Social Justice (BVSJ) Memorial Day Parade, Monday, May 27, 2013, 11am.
The event is set for Restoration Plaza, the home of the Billie Holiday Theater, at 1360 Fulton Street in the Bedford Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn. They will be joined by praying grandmothers, jazz musicians, elected officials and other noted community leaders who will gather to honor our fallen military troops.
“Yesterday, today and tomorrow we serve our veterans with tender loving care and a listening ear,” said Wendy McClinton, BVSJ, CEO and president.
“We are thrilled to host the parade again and hope that this is the continuation of an annual tradition. We welcome everyone to join us as we pay tribute to our fallen soldiers,” said the leader of this community organization founded in 1979 to serve veterans, families and community.
The parade will march down Marcy Avenue from Restoration to BVSJ’s headquarters on Willoughby Avenue. A Color Guard, guest speakers and a processional will highlight the program.
Before the parade gets rolling, Assemblywoman Annette Robinson will give opening greetings with participation by Councilwoman Leticia James. At the end of the parade a community barbecue will be held including more guest speakers and closing remarks from Councilman Charles Barron; Assemblyman Walter T. Mosley; Bill de Blasio, NYC Public Advocate; and Dr. Eugene Mathiew, NYC’s first Haitian-born Councilman.
The following groups are expected: Praying Grandmothers; Soul Tigers Marching Band, Brooklyn for Peace, United War Veterans Council, National Association for Black Veterans (NAVVETS); Central Brooklyn Jazz Consortium; National Association of Negro Business & Professional Women’s Club, National Association of Black Military Women, and Kan-Cobra, a Karate Group. Everyone is welcome. Go to www.bvsj.org.