BY: Adal Hussain, Chief Editor, Ntl Puerto-Rican Day Parade , 44st ,5th Ave NY, June 8th 2025.
Event organizers are expecting about a million people to line up along Fifth Avenue in Midtown on Sunday to watch the parade’s floats and performances.
The 2025 parade theme, Plantando Bandera (Planting Roots), recognizes how Puerto Rican communities across the diaspora have established deep roots and positively contributed to their communities, locally, nationally and globally.
The celebration recognizes the municipality of Aguas Buenas, Puerto Rico and the Puerto Rican community of Atlanta, Georgia.
“We are pleased to recognize the communities of Aguas Buenas and Atlanta, and we anticipate highlighting them in our 2025 festivities,” stated NPRDP Board Chair Lillian Rodríguez Lopez.
“These communities exemplify our 2025 theme, Plantando Bandera, as each has uniquely and positively impacted and contributed to society while enriching the cultural identity of our people.”
This year’s parade will also pay tribute to the beloved Puerto Rican Christmas tradition, La Parranda. Tribute to Puerto Rican Urban and Contemporary Art.
The 2025 celebration will pay tribute to the long legacy of Puerto Rican artists in urban and contemporary art.
The parade’s television broadcast will include a featured piece starring Graffiti legend Lee Quiñones and art historian, Dr. Yasmin Ramirez, as they reflect on the groundbreaking role Puerto Ricans played in shaping New York’s street art movement.
The piece traces the roots of Puerto Rican contemporary art from the mid-20th century works by Rafel Tufiño and Lorenzo Homar, to the graffiti and contemporary art movements that showcased Nuyorican voices like Quiñones, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and many others.
Meet the 2025 honorees included: Six-time Grammy winner, Olga Tañón, honored as queen of the 2025 Parade celebration.
Acclaimed film and television actor, Luis Guzmán joined Tañón in leading the parade procession as the parade’s king.
Golden Globe Award-winning actress, Gina Rodríguez, will be honored as this year’s Madrina (Godmother).
Honored as Padrino (Godfather) of this year’s Parade is Grammy and Latin Grammy-winning artist, Elvis Crespo.
Unified Featherweight World Champion, Amanda “The Real Deal” Serrano, is the first-ever Puerto Rican undisputed world champion and the most decorated fighter in women’s boxing history, and she is recognized by Guinness World Records for the most boxing world championships won by a female in different weight classes.
NPRDP Scholarship Recipients: For the eighth consecutive year, the NPRDP is awarding 100 scholarships valued at $2,000 each, for a total of $200,000, to exceptional students of Puerto Rican descent that are making a difference in their communities and will be enrolled in a college or university in the coming school year.
This year’s recipients represent 24 states and Puerto Rico, with 36% of recipients being from Puerto Rico. Selected recipients represent 76 colleges/universities, including a mix of public and private schools, including the CUNY, SUNY, and UPR systems, as well as Ivy League institutions like Cornell, Yale, and Columbia.
The 2025 class of scholarship recipients were notified by June 1, and a list of winners will be posted on the NPRDP website. Since 2014, the NPRDP has awarded over $1.8 million in scholarships.
It was a well-attended parade, political leaders in attendance and marching in the Parade: New York State Governor Kathy Hochul, Mayor Eric Adams, New York Senior Senator Chuck Schumer, New York City Public Advocate, jumaane Williams, New York City Council Speaker, adrienne adams, Former Governor Andrew Cuomo, running for New York City Mayor and many more political leaders from New York City and Puerto Rico.
See More in our World Liberty TV, Political Channels, Blogs and Who is Who? of the Latin Community, by Clicking here.
The unusual premiere speaks to Will.i.am’s larger initiative to inspire students and young people to cultivate an interest in science. At the JPL event, the artist, born William James Adams Jr., also announced a partnership between his i.am.angel Foundation and digital resource provider Discovery Education for a program called i.am.STEAM, intended to bring science, technology, engineering, art and math (or STEAM) to K-12 classrooms around the country.
Will.i.am isn’t the first musician whose music cracked Earth’s atmosphere. The Voyager deep-space probes, launched in 1977, house a copy of Chuck Berry’s “Johnny B. Goode,” for instance, but Will.i.am became the first to have a song on Mars. He initially connected with NASA after buying a $5 million time block on ABC for the back-to-school one-hour TV special “i.am.FIRST-Science Is Rock and Roll” last August. (The special was filmed at the 2011 FIRST Robotics Championships for kids.) After the show, NASA administrator Charlie Bolden was piqued by Will.i.am’s educational initiative, inviting him to attend the Curiosity launch at Cape Canaveral in November and putting in motion the idea to beam an original song on a 708 million mile round trip between Earth and Mars.
BY: Adal Hussain, Chief Editor at 37th Ave Jackson Heights Queens NY June 1st 2025
The Queens Pride Parade formed in response to Julio Rivera’s murder and, more directly, to the 1992 homophobic outcry over the inclusion of gay and lesbian content in the Children of the Rainbow curriculum, which was designed to teach children tolerance of all of New York City’s diverse communities.
As a result, former New York City Council Finance Chair, Daniel Dromm, who was then a public school teacher in the borough’s Community School District 24 (where the controversy was centered), came out as openly gay and decided to counter the ensuing propaganda with a family-friendly celebratory parade that would promote LGBT visibility and pride, and be based in a neighborhood where many closeted gay people lived.
Daniel Dromm, Queens Lesbian & Gay Pride Committee co-chair, 1999. On November 22, 1992, the initial planning meeting was held in Dromm’s Flushing apartment, and the formation of the Queens Lesbian and Gay Pride Committee (QLGPC) followed soon after at a meeting of Queens Gays and Lesbians United (Q-GLU).
Co-chaired by Dromm and Cuban-born LGBT rights activist Maritza Martinez, QLGPC canvassed neighborhood gay bars for donations and support.
Dromm later recalled that some bar owners were resistant, “It was a very quiet lesbian and gay community — a large one but not a very visible one. [People were worried] that if they became visible, they would pay a price.”
The first Queens Pride Parade and Multicultural Festival took place on Sunday, June 6, 1993, and an estimated 10,000 people attended.
The parade route ran from 89th to 75th Streets along 37th Avenue, which was painted with a lavender line.
The accompanying stage show featured drag queen and transgender performers, who were also pivotal beforehand in helping to raise money and promote the parade at the gay bars where they regularly entertained. Martinez gave a bilingual speech, with the following spoken in Spanish.
2025 NEW QUEENS PRIDE PARADE GRAND MARSHALSThe New Queens Pride Parade is proud to celebrate three remarkable Grand Marshals whose lives and work reflect the strength, diversity, and resilience of our community. This year, we honor Andry José Hernández Romero, a courageous gay asylum seeker and artist whose unjust detention and deportation have sparked a national movement for justice;
Assembly Member Catalina Cruz, a trailblazing immigrant leader and champion for LGBTQ+ rights, workers, and families; and Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas, a fierce advocate for queer liberation, reproductive justice, and intersectional equity.
Each of these leaders brings a unique story and vision to our celebration—reminding us that Pride is not just a moment, but a movement rooted in courage, solidarity, and the fight for liberation for all.
Close to 140 groups marched in unity to honor pride month at 33rd anniversary of Queens Pride Parade Jackson Heights Queens NY-2025.
Political leaders in attendance included: Representatives from Governor’s office, Mayor’s office, in person political leaders included: Letitia James is the 67th Attorney General of the state of New York, New York State Comptroller, Thomas P. DiNapoli , Queens DA Melinda Katz, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, New York City Comptroller, Brad Landers, New York City Council Speaker adrienne adams, NY State Senator Jessica Ramos, Justin Brannan NYC Council member and so many more.
See More in our World Liberty TV, LGBTQ + Channels, Blogs and Who is who of LGBTQ+ Communities, by clicking here.
BY: Adal Hussain, Chief Editor, 4th Annual Japanese Day Parade NYC , May 10th 2025.
Beginning on Central Park West at West 81st Street and traveling south to West 67th Street, the Japan Parade featured: the music and taiko groups Soh Daiko, COBU and Taiko Masala Dojo, the choir group HARLEM JAPANESE GOSPEL CHOIR, the traditional dance troupes.
The Japanese Folk Dance Institute of NY, and Yosakoi Dance Project – 10tecomai / KAZANAMI, martial arts groups International Karate Organization KYOKUSHINKAIKAN and kendo dojo New York Kenshinkai. Marchers from Anime NYC joined the parade in Japan-themed costumes.
There are Japanese language schools and organizations participating in the Parade, and they include: THE JAPANESE SCHOOL OF NEW YORK (The Greenwich Japanese School), Japanese Children’s Society, Inc., Keio Academy of New York, and The New Jersey Japanese School, and many more.
Chef Masaharu Morimoto served as the parade’s Grand Marshall, and Sandra Endo, news correspondent on KTVV Los Angeles, Fox 11 News and feature reporter for Good Day LA, served as Emcee of the parade.
Participating groups showed Japan’s various attractions, such as culture, tradition, sports, music, cosplay, etc. for everyone’s enjoyment.
Following the great success of the last three years, the 4th annual Japan Parade in New York City was held on Saturday, May 10, beginning at 1pm. Starting on Central Park West at West 81st Street and traveling south to West 67th Street, the purpose of the parade is to celebrate, express, and bring awareness to the friendship between NYC and Japan with a thank you from the Japanese community. Chef Masaharu Morimoto is this year’s Grand Marshall and Koji Soto is this year’s Japan Parade Community Leader.
Sandra Endo, news correspondent on KTVV Los Angeles, Fox 11 News, and a feature reporter for Good Day LA, will serve as Emcee of the parade.
The Japan Street Fair will feature tents offering fun and educational cultural activities including calligraphy, water balloon yo-yo fishing, origami, photo opportunities, and a giveaway. In collaboration with JAPAN Fes, one of the largest organizers of Japanese food festivals in the world that hosts over 20 Japanese food fair events a year in New York City, the Street Fair will also feature about 20 tents serving authentic Japanese food.
The latest information on Japan’s many tourist destinations will be made available at several other tents, and as with last year, there will also be a tent where visitors may donate to a charitable cause. The Japan Street Fair is your chance to experience a Japanese festival, or matsuri, unlike any other.
It was our 3rd annual appearance at the Japanese day parade, thousands of people lined up on the streets on 81st and Central park West, and thousands more at The Japan Street Fair trying many different Japanese foods, desserts and beverages.
Honored guests included: Iron Chef Restauranteur and Author Masaharu Morimoto, who was also the Grand Marshall of the 2025 Parade. Koji Sato, president of the Japanese American Association of New York & 2025 Japan Parade Community leader. Mikio MORI Ambassador, Consul-General of Consulate General of Japan, New York, were the force behind putting on a parade on this magnitude.
Other political guests in attendance included: Mayor Eric Adams, New York State Comptroller, Thomas P. DiNapoli, Council member Gale Brewer, representatives from NY Governor’s office, Assembly members and many more in attendance. Emcee for the 4th year in a row was classy Sandra Endo, news correspondent on KTVV Los Angeles, Fox 11 News, and a feature reporter for Good Day LA and Mayor of Toyama Hirohisa Fuji , who traveled from japan to be part of the parade.
See much more about 4th Annual Japan Day Parade in New York city 2025, in our World Liberty TV, Political channels by clicking here.
BY: Adal Hussain , Chief Editor for World Liberty TV, 44th St & 5th Ave NYC 03/17/25
St. Patrick’s Day, the annual celebration of all things Irish, was marked across the United States on Monday with boisterous parades and festivities.
School marching bands and traditional Irish pipe and drum ensembles ambled down Manhattan’s Fifth Avenue with uniformed delegations from the police and fire departments in New York City, which hosts one of the nation’s largest and oldest parades.
Mayor Eric Adams donned a green cap and scarf and waved an Irish flag while Catholic Archbishop Timothy Dolan greeted marchers wearing a green, white and orange sash — the national colors of the Emerald Isle.
As a light morning rain fell, the rolling celebration made its way north past designer shops and St. Patrick’s Cathedral, a stunning Neo Gothic landmark that’s the seat of the Catholic Archdiocese of New York.
“It’s fantastic to be here,” said Ryan Hanlon, vice chairman of the parade’s board of directors. “We’re getting a little bit of rain at the moment, but as we Irish call it, it’s just liquid sunshine.”
Organizers said some 150,000 marchers are expected to participate. The festivities, which are now in its 264th year, date to 1762 — 14 years before the U.S. Declaration of Independence.
2025 Grand Marshal Michael A. Benn: Michael A. Benn is a proud son of Limerick, and the longtime chairman of the Queens County St. Patrick’s Parade Committee in the Rockaway.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, New York City Mayor Eric Adams, Letitia James, New York State Attorney General and NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch were among the first wave of marchers, followed by the FDNY and Commissioner Robert Tucker later in the morning. They were joined by law enforcement, faith leaders and marching bands from across the area.
It started at 44th Street, passes by St. Patrick’s Cathedral between 50th and 51st streets, and then reaches the finish at 79th Street on the East Side of Central Park.
Organizers said spectators could line up anywhere along the route, and early birds could expect the best views.
The New York City Saint Patrick’s Day Parade™ is the oldest and largest St. Patrick’s Day Parade in the world. The first parade was held on March 17, 1762 — fourteen years before the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
The parade is held annually on March 17th at precisely 11:00 AM in honor of St. Patrick, the Patron Saint of Ireland and of the Archdiocese of New York.
The parade route goes up Fifth Avenue beginning at East 44th Street and ending at East 79th Street. Approximately 150,000 people march in the parade which draws about 2 million spectators.
From its earliest days, right up to the present, the New York City Saint Patrick’s Day Parade™ has been run entirely by volunteers, many of whom come from generations of families dedicated to the organization of the parade.
It takes months of preparation and countless hours to run the world’s oldest and largest parade. We could not do it without the commitment of these great women and men.
The NYC Saint Patrick’s Day Parade™ is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
*When March 17 falls on a Sunday, the Parade is held on March 16 for religious observances .Written By Hilary Beirne.
The Parade was very well attended it was World Liberty TV’s teams 17th year covering The St Patrick’s Day Parade ,See more in our World Liberty TV, Political Channels by clicking here.
BY: Adal Hussain , Chief Editor for World Liberty TV, 71st & Columbus Ave NYC 11/27/24
Giant balloons, fabulous floats, exciting entertainers and more are joining our all-star celebration. A massive line of people snaked around Columbus Avenue from 72nd to 78th streets near the American Museum of Natural History to watch the traditional Macy’s Balloon Inflation Celebration.
This 98th edition of the world’s largest parade, which typically draws some 3.5 million spectators to Manhattan, will feature 7 Balloonicles, 22 Balloons, 34 floats, 11 marching bands, 28 Clown Crews and Twenty-eight performers Macy’s announced.
Everyone’s favorite parade balloons are getting inflated Wednesday afternoon on the Upper West Side.
Macy’s Balloon Inflation Celebration is taking place 12 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday. Sixteen featured helium balloons and 32 novelty and heritage balloons will be prepped for their big flight on Thanksgiving Day.
The parade kicks off at 8:30 a.m. beginning from 77th Street and Central Park West and proceeding two and a half miles south to finish in front of Macy’s at 34th Street-Herald Square.
Inside the float inflation area Wednesday, trucks of compressed helium were seen near partially inflated balloons, including Smokey Bear and Snoopy, which were under weighted-down nets.
98th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade broadcast live on NBC and Peacock. Hosted by Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb and Al Roker.
Performers include Jennifer Hudson, Kylie Minogue, Billy Porter, Dan + Shay, Dasha, Jimmy Fallon & The Roots, Ariana Madix, Idina Menzel, T-Pain, Lea Salonga, The Temptations and Charli D’Amelio. Special appearances by Cynthia Erivo and Cole Escola.
This year’s parade features 5,000 volunteers, 17 character balloons, 22 floats, 15 heritage and novelty balloons, over 700 clowns, 11 marching bands, and 10 performance groups
The 98th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade marched through New York City, filling the streets, skies and many television screens with colorful, festive floats, balloons and performers on Thursday.
“For nearly 100 years, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has been synonymous with the beginning of the holiday season, celebration and togetherness,” said Will Coss, Executive Producer of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
“Our talented team of Macy’s Studios artisans and production specialists work year-round to deliver the nation’s most beloved holiday event, live on Thanksgiving morning.
We are proud to hold this responsibility and look forward to sharing our unbelievable designs, larger-than-life character balloons and first-class entertainment, all sure to create lifelong memories for Parade fans nationwide.”
The 98th Macy’s Parade lineup up included 5,000 volunteers, 7 Balloonicles, 22 Balloons, 34 floats, 11 marching bands, 28 Clown Crews and Twenty-eight Performers Joining these Macy’s Parade fixtures are some of the biggest stars in music, all welcoming in Santa Claus and the holidays.
Mayor Eric Adams and Newly Appointed NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch quelled fears about any additional threats.
“The NYPD and our team have been closely monitoring the situation. Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner [Rebecca] Weiner has been communicating with our partners across all of the agencies involved in the NYPD and partners have already enhanced security,” Adams said.
“We’ve already had enhanced security because of the holiday. And we don’t see any nexus between the incidents there. “. He said attendees can expect to see uniformed officers throughout the parade route.
“We can tell you there are no credible or specific threats to New York City, or to tomorrow’s parade at this time. Our intelligence analysts and our counterterrorism offices have been preparing for this event,” he said.
Other New York City officials included at the Press conference included: Newly Appointed NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, First Deputy Mayor ; Anne Williams-Isom, Zachary Iscol, New York City ,Commissioner New York City Emergency Management Department, New York City Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Rohit Aggarwala, Ydanis Rodriguez, Commissioner of the New York City Department of Transportation (NYCDOT), Jeffrey Maddrey , Chief of Department for the New York City Police Department , Daniel Garodnick, Chair of the New York City Planning Commission and many more in attendance.
See More of the Thanksgiving Day Parade Balloon Inflation Event NYC-2023 in our World Liberty TV, by Clicking here.
