LANSING, MI -- Former Lansing Public Schools Deputy Superintendent Dr. Eva Evans has been tapped as the Grand Marshal of the 5th Annual African American Parade and Family Reunion Picnic slated to be held August 7th 2004 at 11:00 a.m.

The downtown Lansing parade, sponsored by the Capital City American Cultural Association, Inc, will be followed by the picnic at Ferris Park, located at Shiawassee and Walnut Streets.

The Chairperson of the event is the Rev. Michael Murphy.

The parade aims to educate the area about the arts and history of the African American community. The parade will feature as its main attraction marching bands, floats, clowns, horses, food, fellowship and lots of fun.

Last year the parade featured performances by Eastern High School Dance Team, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, River Rouge High School Band, Southside Panthers Youth Organization (Team and Cheerleaders), Dwight Rich Dance Team and Drumline, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority (MSU), Trinity AME Church, the Flint Beecher High School Band, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Union Baptist Church Steppers, and a whole lot more.

The parade also features an appearance by Lansing Mayor, Tony Benavidas - City Council President, Carol Wood - Kiara B. Philips, Miss Michigan Teen 2003 - Senator Virgil Bernero, and Lansing School District Superintendent, E. Sharon Banks.

After the parade, the community celebrates at a Family Reunion picnic where there will be barbecue, live music, and games to entertain the crowd.

Those interested in participating in the parade can pick up an application at the Black Child and Family Institute, 835 West Genesee St., Gier Community Center, 2400 Hall St., and the Boys and Girls Club of Lansing, 4315 Pleasant Grove Road. The parade entry fee is $20 before July 15 and $30 after July 15. The entry deadline is August 2nd.

The parade and the picnic are open to the public. For more information contact Calvin Jones 388-6377 or write P.O. Box 13233, Lansing, MI 48901

Clifford Bailey is a Lansing Community College Freshman and a participant in the Young Publishers Club sponsored by the Michigan Bulletin which meets at the Magic Johnson Foundation Creation Station located at the Black Child and Family Institute - 835 W. Genesee, Lansing MI.