Norwalk resident organizes first Black Heritage Parade in the city in 27 years
The parade route begins at 84 North Main St., at 11 a.m., continues on to Haviland Street and ends on Washington Street.
Several streets in South Norwalk will be blocked off on Saturday for the city's Black Heritage Parade. It's the first one Norwalk has had in 27 years.
"The idea, first of all it's long overdue. It's time to celebrate Black excellence. And the main thing is, this isn't just for Black people. This is for all people to celebrate Black excellence, just like we would any other parade," said Mellodye "Sweets" Green-Ragin, producer of the parade.
Ragin, known to the community as "Sweets," said the inspiration to host the parade came from the St. Patrick's Day Parade six months ago.
Since then, she and her team have worked nonstop to help the parade come to life.
They also founded the African American Association of Norwalk.
"We're coming out representing our heritage. You know, we're colorful people and we're colorful rhematic people. So, we're going to entertain, and we have a lot of great things for the city of Norwalk tomorrow," Sweets said.
The parade route begins at 84 North Main St., at 11 a.m., continues on to Haviland Street and ends on Washington Street. After the parade ends, the festivities will continue with a block party at 50 Washington St. Plaza until 6 p.m.
"Sweets" said it's never too late to sponsor the parade because costs will still accumulate once it's over. She said oftentimes, the expenses come out of their own pockets, but it's worth it for the cause. 'Sweets' said she hopes to continue the parade for years to come.
For more information about the parade or to become a sponsor, call 203-424-0606 or email Afamnorwalk@gmail.com.
