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Montclair Child Development Center members on a parade float at the 35th annual African American Heritage parade and festival. (Photo by David Bien-Aime)
Streets were alive with music and tradition on June 7 as Montclair held its 35th annual African American Heritage parade and festival. Hosted by the Montclair African American Heritage Foundation (MAAHF), the parade drew hundreds of residents and visitors in a vibrant celebration. This parade has become a key cornerstone in Montclair’s cultural calendar, as it honors the rich heritage and contributions of African Americans in Montclair.
Marching bands from schools in the district, civic groups, sororities, and troupes all lined up in a route, bringing their rhythm and flair to the festival. Families gathered, enjoying the music ranging from R&B to hip-hop.
The African American Heritage parade and festival began in 1990 and has been serving the Montclair community ever since.
Montclair’s 2025 African American Heritage Parade
Grace Pointe Seventh-Day Adventist Church’s marching band at the parade. (Photo by David Bien-Aime)
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Montclair Child Development Center parade attendee waving Pan-African flag on a parade float. (Photo by David Bien-Aime) 
Grace Pointe Seventh-Day Adventist Church’s marching band at the parade. (Photo by David Bien-Aime) 
Floyd’s Double Dutch Elite member acrobatically double-dutching in front of spectators. (Photo by David Bien-Aime) 
The People’s Organization for Progress marching in a straight formation, holding large signs, with prominent civil rights leaders and figures, during the parade. (Photo by David Bien-Aime) 
Unitarian Universalist Congregation members marching in the parade. (Photo by David Bien-Aime) 
Spectators of the parade holding big Pan Africanism flags, symbolizing unity across the African diaspora. (Photo by David Bien-Aime) 
Out Montclair Chairperson/Co-Founder Reubena Spence (left), Genevieve Wrenn, the Treasurer (center) and Madeline Gale, the Co-Founder (right) at the parade. (Photo by David Bien-Aime) 
NJ Orange High School marching band’s brass sousaphone players performing at the parade. (Photo by David Bien-Aime ) 
Orange High School marching band performing for the crowd of spectators at the festival. (Photo by David Bien-Aime)
Girl’s dance team Jaguars get into formation as they lift each other to the air. (Photo by David Bien-Aime)
Montclair Fire Department Firefighters waving to spectators at the parade. (Photo by David Bien-Aime.)
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