The African American Heritage
Parade Organization, Inc.

1576 Springfield Avenue, Maplewood, NJ 07040
PO Box 22986 – Newark, NJ 070102

Dear Friend & Supporters:

We hope that this communication finds you well. I am forwarding some information and an invitation for your firm to become a sponsor of the African American Heritage Statewide Parade in part as a marketing partner for our 2026 season.

For over 50 years, the African American Heritage Statewide Parade has galvanized thousands of participants and spectators to line Broad Street in Newark, New Jersey and celebrate the contributions and glorious heritage of Africans and African American people.

According to John A. Thomas, the Parade founder, (a revered history teacher at Newark’s “old” Central High School), the idea for the parade was sparked, in 1966, while discussing with his students the days in which other ethnic groups in Newark celebrated their heritage; one student remarked, “But Mr. T, we don’t have a day!” From that youthful, plaintive utterance, on March 6, 1966, the first “Crispus Attucks Day Parade”, was born in the city of Newark.

Over the years, the name and leadership of the Parade has evolved, but the mandate remains the same as it was in 1966; to instill and maintain a sense of pride in African American heritage and to nurture the development of a spirit of unity and cooperation among the people of the African Diaspora.

Since 1993, the parade, now called The African American Heritage Statewide Parade has expanded to include an annual four-day cultural celebration in the city’s Weequahic Park each Memorial Day Weekend and serves as the unofficial kickoff of Newark’s summer season. It features free music, dance and spoken-word performances by local and nationally-known performers; a Kid’s Village; cultural and educational activities for all ages. The festival attracts thousands of attendees and participants from throughout the state, USA, the Caribbean and African nations.

Phone: 973-762-7224     Fax: 973-762-6065
E-Mail: cnhalljr108@gmail.com
Website: www.aaparades.org

The African American Heritage Statewide Parade and Cultural Festival is the largest cultural gathering for the African American community in the state of New Jersey. The festival is designed and produced by the African American Heritage Parades Organization, Inc., (AAHPO). The AAHPO is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization. In addition to our stewardship of the Parade and Festival, the AAHPO host a variety of historical and culturally relevant programs and seminars throughout the year that engage, educate, inspire, and entertain the community. The AAHPO, Inc. honors the past, cherishes the present, and strives to influence the future!

We are seeking financial sponsorship and the participation of your employees, families and friends as volunteers in the 2026 Parade on Sunday, May 24th, 2026. We also hope that you will support our commitment to serving our community by supporting the AAHPO Heritage (Black Tie) Gala, which is a fundraising event. Tickets for this event are $175 per person.  If you are unable to attend, please sponsor a senior or one of our youth.

Full page color Ads are $350.00 (image area is 4.5 X 7.5). We will forward you the Gala information in a separate email.

Please contact us at 973 762-7224 to discuss how you can assist in maintaining this critically important cultural icon that represents so much pride and progress for New Jersey’s African American community.

Your help will ensure its continuity and growth.

Thank you for your consideration,

Sincerely,

Charles N Hall, Jr.

Charles N. Hall, Jr.
Chairman AAHPO