Bud Billiken Parade (Chicago, Lansing, Washington: live in, restaurants, gangs)

[Humboldt1]

I have been asked (required) by my manager to attend the Bud Billiken Parade this year. Are there any safety issues I should be aware of? The parade starts at 31st Street in Bronzeville, which is fine, but ends in Washington Park. I have voiced my safety concerns to my manager about Washington Park but am being required to go.

Should I just cab it over there or is it safe to park my car in that area?

[Lookout Kid]

Take the train. You'll be fine there with the huge crowds, as long as you don't act blatantly racist. You live in Humboldt Park, for crying out loud.

[noid_1985]

Originally Posted by Humboldt1

I have been asked (required) by my manager to attend the Bud Billiken Parade this year. Are there any safety issues I should be aware of? The parade starts at 31st Street in Bronzeville, which is fine, but ends in Washington Park. I have voiced my safety concerns to my manager about Washington Park but am being required to go.

Should I just cab it over there or is it safe to park my car in that area?

May I ask what kind of work you do that you're required to attend the Bud?

[Humboldt1]

Commercial Banker.

My boss is black lady and really wants me there. Her boss is also a black male. Unfortunately, when you get to a certain level in an organization politics count. I don't require my bankers to do this kind of stuff. I hate this crap.

Lookout,

Don't worry about me acting blatantly racist. I have to deal with a lot worse crap on a daily basis in Humboldt Park. I get along with my black neighbors, some of which are most definitely ghetto, even hanging out with some at times. I took a couple of guys to Green Dolphin a few times.

[Lookout Kid]

Originally Posted by Humboldt1

Don't worry about me acting blatantly racist.

Not worried at all, and wasn't trying to imply anything about you personally. I was just pointing out a surefire way to run into trouble at the Bud Billiken parade!

[Drover]

There have been at least 8 shootings per Billiken Parade since 1984. Gangsters use marchers as target practice. Be afraid. Be very afraid.

[skyeINIL]

Originally Posted by Drover

There have been at least 8 shootings per Billiken Parade since 1984. Gangsters use marchers as target practice. Be afraid. Be very afraid.

Hee!

[Lookout Kid]

I think you're about 20 times more likely to get shot at Taste of Chicago.

[Humboldt1]

Skye,

Glad you find it funny. Lansing still sucks and is getting worse.

I agree with Lookout Kid. I have never been to the Taste before either as I hear it is crowded and that there are better ways to experience Chicago food by simply going to the various restaurants.

Also, if I acted blatantly racist I think I would be surely out of a job

[Manigault]

Well, start by spelling the parade correctly. Then consider that police, firemen and politicians always march in the parade. There are floats, marching bands and the like, all in the middle of the day. I think the viewing stand is about 47th street. To best view the parade (down King Drive) try to park and stand just a little north of 47th street. At least, in the half-dozen times I took my various kids and nieces, that's where I parked and stood.

Most of the politicians, judges running for re-election and other semi-notables march but the governor actually runs from one end of the parade to the other. I guess he tries to present a moving target.

In Washington Park, watch out! The confines of the cricket pitch are inexact and the guys in white pants may tell you to move over. Since the parade ends in the park, there is usually some sort of festival going on there.

And do try to keep an open mind.