INDIANAPOLIS — Music, dancing, and community pride filled downtown Indianapolis on Saturday as the 42nd annual Circle City Classic Parade moved through the city center.
The parade, which began at 10 a.m. and traveled along Pennsylvania and Ohio streets, is a signature event of the weekend, celebrating Black culture, community, and the legacy of historically Black colleges and universities.
“Just to be able to see the young, gifted, talented athletes that are playing at all the different schools… it gives us a good opportunity for people who don’t follow those schools to realize these schools have some great kids,” said Ed Rogers of Indiana Black Expo.
Marching bands, dancers, floats, and community groups participated, including Naptown Real Roller, a local performer who dedicated weeks to practicing for the event.
“We’ve been practicing for maybe like two months now outside in the heat,” said participant Simmone Hinkle. “We were sweating bullets to get ready for this parade!”
Actor Wood McClain served as grand marshal. The parade is part of the larger Circle City Classic, which includes educational and cultural events throughout the afternoon.
Organizers are already planning next year’s celebration. “2027 is going to be a big year for us. We have a lot of new plans, and we’ll be announcing what Circle City Classic 2027 will look like as we reimagine it,” Rogers noted.
The Circle City Classic also serves as a scholarship fundraiser, helping award more than $5 million in scholarships to students pursuing higher education.
