BEDFORD-STUYVESANT — A hip-hop celebration honoring political leader Marcus Garvey is making its return to the streets of Bed-Stuy.
The 15th annual Universal Hip Hop Parade for Social Justice gives a nod to entrepreneurs this year with the theme of “Build the Biz,” according to organizer Kazembe Batts.
Inspired by Garvey’s parades through Harlem, the Aug. 15 procession aims to encourage social justice and activism while paying tribute to hip-hop culture.
The parade falls on Saturday Aug. 15, in honor of Garvey's birthday, Aug. 17, 1887.
“This year we’re on the bounce back, it’s our comeback season,” Batts said, adding that the grassroots event took a break in 2014.
A new focus on fashion will be added to the march, represented by urban fashion designer and parade ambassador April Walker.
“Hip-hop has allowed so many people to be entrepreneurs, build their own businesses and be independent,” Batts said.
“We want to celebrate that, along with Marcus Garvey’s entrepreneurial spirit in building institutions.”
The route features stops at the Bedford-Stuyvesant Volunteer Ambulance Corps headquarters, the New Bed-Stuy Boxing Center, and House of Art Gallery, where DJs will be playing tunes and passersby can pick up giveaways.
A chapter of the Universal Negro Improvement Association, an organization founded by Garvey in 1914, will lead the parade. Graffiti artists and breakdancers will also join in on the festivities, organizers said.
The element of hip-hop culture serves as a means to attract younger generations to learn the works and message of the 19th century black activist, according to Batts.
“It’s not a demonstration, but a celebration.”
The Universal Hip Hop Parade for Social Justice will be held on Saturday Aug. 15 from 3 to 7 p.m. The route starts on Lafayette and Marcy avenues, and runs along Marcus Garvey Boulevard and Fulton Street. For more details, visit the UHHP website.
