LANSING, MI -- Lansing native Gregory Eaton has been named the 2005 Grand Marshal of the 6th Annual African American Parade and Family Reunion Picnic slated to be held Saturday, August 6, 2005.   The downtown Capital City parade, expected to step off at 11 a.m, is sponsored by the Capital City African American Cultural Association, Inc, (CCAACA) The Family Reunion Picnic will be held immediately following the parade at Ferris Park, located at the corner of Shiawassee and Walnut Streets.

The parade will proceed south down Capitol Ave. from the intersection of Genesee and Capitol Ave., past the State Capitol Building and the Lansing City Hall. The procession then turns right on Allegan Street, traveling west one block to Walnut Street make a right turn and continue north five blocks to conclude at Ferris Park.

The Grand Marshall is a local brother who has done well. Currently, Eaton is a partner in the lobbying firm Karoub Associates. In 1968, he was the first African American lobbyist in Michigan.

A successful businessman, Eaton is owner and president of Gregory's Restaurant, President of Metro Cars and CEO of Continental Lighting. The J.W. Sexton High School graduate is a member of many community organizations including: Lifetime member of the NAACP, Michigan Black Caucus, M.S.U. President’s Club, Masons, Shriners, Ele’s Place and Special Olympics.

The parade aims to educate the area about the arts and history of the African American community according to Parade and Picnic Chairperson the Rev. Dr. Michael C. Murphy. It’s our Summertime Celebration and it’s going to be fun and fresh! There will be Floats, Marching Bands from across Michigan, Clowns, Food, Music, Vendors, and much more.

Murphy explained, "I grew up on the south-side of Chicago, Illinois where every summer I attended the Bud Billiken parade. It was designed for the children. But, it was for everybody. For several years as a youngster I was in the parade and rode on my uncle’s float with was WGES Radio Station’s float. We would go to Washington Park for a picnic afterwards. It helped shape my positive perception of our African American people and lifted up our history, heritage, and culture. The images and sounds of the parade and picnic still ring in my head and heart today."

"Our vision for our parade and picnic in Lansing is very similar", Murphy said. "It’s a vision of our coming together to celebrate and affirm ourselves here in Lansing. It’s about our children and youth looking at positive images and sharing in our positive values."

The mission of the Capital City African American Cultural Association is to provide educational and recreational opportunities for the people of Lansing and mid-Michigan to experience African American arts, culture, and history.

The parade and the picnic are open to the public.

Does your business, association or group want to participate in the parade? The Parade entry fee is $25.00 before July 22, afterwards the fee is $35.00. Sign up the day of the event is $50.00.

For more information contact Dr. Murphy at (517) 373-0826 or e-mail Vice Chairperson Calvin Jones at: CCACAIN@aol.com or write the CCAACA at P.O. Box 13233, Lansing, MI 48901.