SHREVEPORT, La. - It was worth the wait. After being pushed back a bit because of a calendar conflict, the Krewe of Harambee rolled Monday through the streets of downtown Shreveport in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. celebrating 25 years.
Thousands showed up to watch the colorful floats, local marching bands, cheerleading and dancing squads, businesses, civic, and social organizations, fraternities and sororities.Â
David Aubrey, President of AT&T Louisiana, served as grand marshal.
David Aubrey, President of AT&T Louisiana, served as grand marshal.
David Aubrey, president of AT&T Louisiana, served as grand marshal. Aubrey joined AT&T in 2014 and served as regional director of external affairs for North Louisiana and was promoted to director of external affairs for AT&T Louisiana in 2015. A native Louisiana, Aubrey was educated in the public schools system and is a graduate of Grambling State University.
This year's royalty included Captain Cynthia Pearson, King Damien Chapman, and Queen Markey Pierre.
The Krewe of Harambee brings something truly special to the Mardi Gras season - handmade, one-of-a-kind masks crafted with love and tradition. These aren't just throws; they're pieces of art, each reflecting the spirit of Harambee - "Pulling Together" in unity and celebration.
The parade line-up included none other than the world renowned and international famed Southern University Human Jukebox marching band. From Super Bowls to presidential inaugurations, Rose Bowl parades, and collaboration with famous artists and community activists, this often imitated but never duplicated band has raised the bar and set precedents for other collegiate marching bands and ensembles. Most recently, the Human Jukebox performed during Super Bowl LIX’s pregame show.
The Krewe of Harambee/MLK Parade staged at Municipal Auditorium before making its way through downtown Shreveport. Many who couldn't be there in person caught it live on KTBS.com and on KPXJ CW 21. It was also streamed on your KTBS+ platforms.
Before the parade, the krewe held its annual Hopes & Dreams Scholarship Breakfast at the Petroleum Club. The breakfast is an event that reflects on the strides made in civil equality while uniting the community to continue the work of progress. This event is not only a celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s enduring legacy but also an opportunity to give back. Each year, the krewe proudly awards $6,000 in scholarships to deserving students from single-parent households. Since the program's inception in 2005, the krewe has awarded $68,000 in scholarships, helping to nurture and empower the leaders of tomorrow.
The Krewe of Harambee Grand Bal will be held March 1 at Shreveport Convention Center.
ABOUT THE KREWE OF HARAMBEE
In the fall of 2000, a group of African Americans came together to discuss how minorities could become more involved in the celebration of Mardi Gras in the spirit of the African American culture in the Shreveport area. The group formed the Krewe of Harambee, the first African American krewe in Shreveport.Â
MARDI GRAS IN THE ARKLATEX
Mardi Gras season in the ArkLaTex is in full swing and there are parties and parades for everyone. Click here to connect with our Mardi Gras page to see the line-up of events. Remember, KTBS 3 is Your Official Mardi Gras Station in the ArkLaTex.
We want to see how you Let the Good Times Roll. Be sure and send us your Mardi Gras pictures and videos to pics@KTBS.com and use #KTBSMardiGras when posting to social media.
