Founded by Bishop Dr. Claude Porter through PLCCA Inc. to bring communities together and support children as they prepare to return to school, the Bridging the Gap Parade & Community Resource Fair has grown into the largest multicultural parade and community event in Chicago’s western suburbs. The event united the villages of Maywood, Bellwood, Broadview, Hillside, Forest Park, Westchester, North Riverside and Melrose Park in a celebration of community, culture and service.
PLCCA President and CEO Claudette P. Harrell and COO Beverly P. Smith continue to carry forward that vision and purpose with this year’s theme, “One Legacy. Many Bridges,” while honoring and celebrating the legacy of Bishop Porter. Chairpersons Judge Gay Chase and Mayor Andre Harvey of Bellwood helped bring that vision to life. As in the past three years, Amazon was the presenting sponsor of this iconic event.
The event was hosted by PLCCA Inc.; School Districts 89, 88 and 209; Proviso Township; the villages of Bellwood, Maywood, Broadview, Melrose Park, Hillside, Forest Park and North Riverside; Fact Finders; Sen. Kimberly A. Lightford; and Commissioner Tara Stamps. Sponsors included Associated Bank, UnitedHealthcare, Sparrow Coffee, U.S. Bank, Central Credit Union of Illinois, SEIU Local 1, Proviso Community Bank and Habilitative Systems Inc.
Hundreds of families lined the parade route from 25th Avenue and Washington Boulevard in Bellwood to First Avenue and Washington Boulevard, ending at Proviso East High School in Maywood. DJ HUGO H of JAM98 set the mood on the Grand Marshal Float, kicking off the parade with “Ain’t No Stopping Us Now.” Grand marshals Art Norman of NBC 5 Chicago, Rufus Williams of WVON 1690 and Coach Dee Brown, a former professional basketball player, along with junior grand marshals Moni Moni, Payybro and Pee-Wee Third Degree, led off the parade. DJ NEHPETS of…