Chicago boasts scores of outdoor
festivals, concerts and events every year. With 77 neighborhoods and many
different cultures, Chicagoans and tourists come together when it is time to
celebrate. In the late 1970s and early ’80s, At
the end of the decade, 1979 and the start of
the eighties two Chicago Defender photographers decided to capture
the people capturing the magic of
celebrations in the city.
Soon the show starts (1980-07-12) by Chicago Defender ArchivesThe Obsidian Collection Archives
The crowd awaits the start of the show at Grant Park. (July 12, 1980)
Man with binoculars by Chicago Defender ArchivesThe Obsidian Collection Archives
Chicago's Air and Water Shows bring out the crowds. The planes in the skies over Lake Michigan keep everyone's attention.
Robert S. Abbott, founder of the Chicago Defender Newspaper in the late 1920s, started the Bud Billiken Parade. It has grown to be the largest Back-to-School parade in the country. Tens of thousands of African Americans line Martin Luther King Drive to view the parade. The parade route travels dozens of blocks before ending in Washington Park. The fellowship of barbecues and bands playing are as important as the parade itself.
A young viewer by Chicago Defender ArchivesThe Obsidian Collection Archives
The youngest children often have the most opportunities to get the best views!
Wading and watching by Chicago Defender ArchivesThe Obsidian Collection Archives
Chicagoans decide to cool off while enjoying the Air and Water Show on Chicago's lakefront.
Parachuters at the air show by Chicago Defender ArchivesThe Obsidian Collection Archives
Parachuters dazzle onlookers at the Air and Water Show.
Resting and anticipating by Chicago Defender ArchivesThe Obsidian Collection Archives
The festivals often take place in tremendous heat. Coming to the lakefront early to get the best "seating" requires planning. The children can rest until the show starts.
Boy on shoulders (1979) by Chicago Defender ArchivesThe Obsidian Collection Archives
Is it a bird? Is it a plane?
This photo ran in The Chicago Defender Newspaper shortly after it was taken on July 12, 1980. The caption read: "The music was loud, the food was hot, and the people were there as Blacks, young and old gathered at Grant Park. The young people danced to the music despite the scorching heat."
Crowd leaning forward by Chicago Defender ArchivesThe Obsidian Collection Archives
The largest festivals bring out the most diverse crowds in Chicago.
Source: The Chicago Defender Archives
Partner: The Obsidian Collection Archives
