# Harlem honors the Apollo before its big parade

> A week out from the African American Day Parade, Harlem gathered at the Schomburg Center to hand the Apollo Theater its plaque.
- Title: Harlem honors the Apollo before its big parade · ABC7 New York
- Summary: A week out from the African American Day Parade, Harlem gathered at the Schomburg Center to hand the Apollo Theater its plaque. The African American Day…
- Keywords: harlem, parade, apollo theater, community, new york city, news, local, honors, Apollo, big, ABC7 New York
- Source: ABC7 New York — https://abc7ny.com/post/schomburg-center-holds-preview-2026-african-american-day-parade-saturday-harlem-honors-apollo-theater-plaque/19826706
- Published: 2026-09-13T15:29:56+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: harlem, parade, apollo theater, community, new york city, news, local
## One week to go
Harlem is less than a week out from the African American Day Parade, and the build-up has already started on the streets uptown.
## A preview at the Schomburg
The Schomburg Center hosted a Saturday night preview event, the warm-up act for the main parade weekend.
## The marshals talk first
This year's parade marshals sat for a discussion with the crowd before any floats rolled anywhere.
## A plaque for the Apollo
The Apollo Theater is an honoree at this year's parade, and it collected its plaque at the preview event.
## Why the parade matters
Chairman Yusuf Hasan framed the day as a gathering point for the whole community, not just a procession.

> This parade brings us together. We shine the light on the brightest and the best of our community.
## Mark your calendar
Festivities open Sept. 19 and the main event runs Sept. 20, 12:30 to 6 p.m. ABC7 is a community partner and streams it live from 12:30.
## Key takeaway

The African American Day Parade runs Sept. 20 from 12:30 to 6 p.m. in Harlem, with a live stream on abc7NY.