We the undersigned are Friends of the Bud Billiken Parade and have deep concerns about the production of the parade. The changes made to the parade DOES NOT reflect a concern for the community it serves. We require for certain, a Bud Billiken Parade that reflects the statement below.

The Bud Billiken Parade requires 4-6 hours to fulfill its mission of providing a joyous celebration of our youth, herald the return to school and the importance of education.

To provide safe and attractive accommodations for families to hold reunions, picnics, and gatherings of friends to celebrate and support the Black Families. This parade reflects generations of tradition, pride, commitment, excitement, support, socioeconomic unity, extreme education marketing and love.

Allow the units opportunities to stop and perform at critical points i.e., 41-42 street, 47th Street, and the Reviewing Stand Area Performing Units need adequate time to perform their routines where they are being judged.

Compromise with the South Shore Drill and return them to the parade.

Compromise with our activists and community organizations to march in the parade

Chicago Police Department must treat our parade attendees with civility.

Charities Board must act as a faithful steward of the people's parade. We have no confidence in the current leadership.

One representative from FOBB to attend all parade planning meetings with authority to weigh in on sensitive matters that will affect the community