Annie Malone Parade

The Annie Malone May Day Parade is famously the second-largest African American parade in the country, but it's also the most important fundraiser on the Annie Malone Children and Family Service's schedule. The charity provides kids from infancy to age 21 who have been abused or are at risk find a safe place and learn the skills they need to overcome hardship and become successful in life. The 108th edition of the spring spectacular starts at 11 a.m. today at 20th and Market streets (www.anniemalone.com/parade). There will be decorated floats, food and merchandise booths and essentially all of black St. Louis gathered to celebrate the legacy of Annie Malone, and to guarantee the future of the organization that bears her name.