ST. LOUIS — Families flooded Market Street in Downtown St. Louis to attend the nation's second-largest African American parade in the country on Sunday.
Dr. Kendra Holmes, the CEO of Affinia Healthcare in St. Louis, was enthused to lead the longtime tradition's 114th year in her hometown as grand marshal.
The center's mission was reflective of the parade's theme; "Connecting Physical Health to Mental Health and Wellness."
It services families by providing affordable primary, dental, and behavioral care in the St. Louis area.
"For many years, especially in the Black community, healthcare is not welcoming. So I don't really put all of the responsibility on the patient. I put a lot of responsibility on healthcare providers. That we need to do our part to be trustworthy. To provide quality healthcare to underserved patients," Holmes said.
The Annie Malone Children & Family Service Center which helps families in crisis was happy to get behind the effort.
"Because we all just need a hug and sometimes a mental break. You know mental health is just so in our face and relevant right now and I think more and more people are becoming comfortable with speaking up and we're teaching our kids that it's ok that sometimes you're not ok," said CEO Keisha Lee.
For nearly four hours, bands and organizations rolled down Market Street.
As many know, Annie Malone was a chemist and entrepreneur who became a millionaire by successfully developing and marketing hair products for black women in the city.
This was Natalie Nesbitt's tenth year.
"Love. Peace. It's friendly today. No violence. I love that the most," she said.
Nesbitt and other attendees were pleased to know the theme was looking out for their wellbeing, highlighting the brain and body.
"We need it. With so much going on in our city. We need the connection. So this is a great theme and good for St. Louis," added Lisa Harrison.
The parade was a great way to get St. Louis outdoors for family-friendly fun.