Freddy Fixer Parade, Inc.
WELCOME TO THE FREDDIE FIXER PARADE WEBSITE!
THANKS TO THE NEW HAVEN COMMUNITY FOR A SAFE AND SUCCESSFUL 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION EVENT IN 2012!!
HONORING THE FREDDIE FIXER PARADE FOUNDING MEMBERS: The Late Edward "ED" Grant, The Late Edna Baker- Carnegie, And The Late Dr. Charles Twyman.
THE LATE EDWARD "ED" GRANT, EDNA BAKER-CARNEGIE, AND RECENTLY DECEASED DR. CHARLES TWYMAN. At Far Right Is Fred Smith Jr.
Honoring New Haven's Longest Serving Mayor, John DeStefano, Jr.
Hon. Mayor John DeStefano, Jr., New Haven, CT.
Extending Our "Best Wishes" To Dr. Reginald Mayo On His Upcoming Retirement
Dr. Reginald Mayo, Superintendent, NHPS
YALE UNIVERSITY OFFICE OF NEW HAVEN AND STATE AFFAIRS
Yale University President, Richard C. Levin, '74 PH. D.
"Best Wishes" To Outgoing President Richard C. Levin. Thanks For Your Support!
START COMMUNITY BANK - WILLIAM PLACKE, PRESIDENT
Your CEO - Bill Placke
Bill Placke, CEO of Start Community Bank, brings an abiding passion for and commitment to helping individuals, families, and businesses build wealth, because he has seen how that achievement adds to the vibrancy of a local community. His background in the banking industry includes leadership positions with community banks such as Midlantic Bank in New Jersey as well as Centerbank, which had multiple locations in Connecticut, including New Haven. He also served as CEO of a small niche savings bank in the Boston area, built specifically to serve union members, organizations, and the not-for-profit and small business market segments of the neighborhood. His focus will be to insure that Start Community Bank meets its dual bottom line goal of success measured both by profits and by positive community impact.
POPEYE'S CHICKEN & BISCUITS - 35 WHALLEY AVENUE, NEW HAVEN, CT. - CLICK IMAGE FOR MORE INFO
POPEYE'S LOUISIANA KITCHEN - CHICKEN & BISCUITS
Popeye's Chicken & Biscuits, 35 Whalley Avenue, New Haven, CT.
1245 Dixwell Avenue - Hamden, CT.
THE FREDDIE FIXER PARADE ANNOUNCES THE GRAND MARSHALL FOR 2013 - Ms. ERIKA BOGAN, FROM THE NEW HAVEN FIRE DEPARTMENT
ERIKA BOGAN - NEW HAVEN FIREFIGHTER, COMMUNITY ACTIVIST
One Of The Very Few African-American Female Firefighters In The World, Ms. Bogan Has Demonstrated Her Skills Both At Work And In The Community That She Serves.
A Devoted Mother, Mentor, And Companion Within The Rank And File At The New Haven Fire Department, Ms. Bogan Is A Role Model For All Aspiring Future Female Firefighter Prospects!
Please Check This Site For Updates And A Complete Bio On This Phenominal City Employee!
CONGRATULATIONS ON BEING NOMINATED THIS YEAR'S
FREDDIE FIXER PARADE 2013
GRANDMARSHAL!
Erika Bogan With Sons (L-R) Taylor, Garred, & Geremy
Contact Community Engagement Editor Shahid Abdul-Karim at 203 789 5614.
New Haven's Freddie Fixer parade a time for pride
NEW HAVEN — As a little girl, Vinice Burnett dreamed
of marching in the Freddie Fixer parade.
This year, that dream will come true.
“I’m so excited that I’m marching this year, it’s like my dream has come true,” said Vinice, 13, a student at Wexler Grant School.
Vinice, a member of F.L.Y. Girls — First Love Yourself — an empowerment group for young girls, said many youths are excited about this year’s parade.
“This is a great way for other people to watch us
perform in the neighborhood we grow up in,” said Darriell Allick, 12, a Betsy Ross School student and a member of F.L.Y. Girls. “We hope to inspire other young girls to be themselves and to first
love who they are by seeing us have the courage to march in the parade.”
The parade originated in 1962 with a clean-up campaign in the Dixwell Avenue/Newhallville communities after founders and community activists Dr. Frederick Smith, Ed Grant, James Mitchell and others
decided to bring children and families together in a unified interest to revive the condition of the their community.
The oldest of its type in the northeast for black Americans, the parade is celebrating 51 years of positive influence and community achievements.
Roberta Durant, parent of a youth who’s marching in the parade said, “It’s good for the kids, and I hope they will bring back all the entertainment from previous years, like the marching bands, which
made it really festive and truly exciting.”
“Growing up, it was something I looked forward to as a youth, and I know that our kids will enjoy the community spirit environment,” Durant added.
According to parade organizers, the effort involved all members of the community gathering brooms, rakes, shovels, trash bags, paint and brushes and other tools needed to clean up the streets.
In addition, Sunday through May 13 will mark the
weeklong citywide cleanup, with other community-related activities scheduled during the week leading up to parade day.
“Along with clean-up efforts, each year the committee selects a particular theme that would be the message the organization wants to convey across the black community,” organizers noted
This year’s theme is “moving forward,” and F.L.Y. Girls organizing mentor Natasha Parkins, 31, said that’s exactly what needs to happen to heal and rebuild the pride of the community.
“There is a past, present and future; let’s be a people who are thinking of ways of a better future for our community,” said Parkins.
“If we are going to be critics and sideliners then we are not going to get anywhere; we have a voice with a historical narrative in New Haven, and to just say we are not going to participate is
status quo thinking,” she said. “Let’s not get stuck in the past and indulge the negative stereotypes of the parade, let’s live in the present to make a better tomorrow for our children, and the
parade is a part of our community’s legacy in this city.”
In previous years, some have attributed violence to the parade, which in some ways has resulted in lack of support. But Dasia Goubourn, 17, a student at Hamden High School, said she believes the
media gives the parade a bad reputation.
“They give a bad name and reputation about the Freddie Fixer parade, but they never blow up all the negative things that happen at the St. Patrick’s Day parade,” Goubourn said. “In so many ways the
St. Patrick’s Day Parade is worse than the Freddie Fixer, but because it’s a black parade they call it violent, and that is not the case,”
According to police, a total of 19 custodial arrests and dozens of citations and summons arrests were issued at this year’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The numbers were an increase from the previous
year, police officials said.
A handful of officers sustained minor injuries during the day and most arrests on charges of disorderly conduct.
With regards to the alleged violence linked to the Freddie Fixer event, police have met with parade organizers and the city to prepare for the event, said Lt. Julie Johnson, patrol commander for the
department.
The parade route is shorter than that of the St.
Patrick’s Day Parade, and the Freddie Fixer parade went smoothly last year with few incidents, Johnson said.
Exact details in terms of the number of officers who will be on duty haven’t been worked out yet.
Lt. Jeff Hoffman said the Freddie Fixer parade is the third-largest spectator event for police. The St. Patrick’s Day Parade is by far the largest, followed by July 4 activities.
“The Freddie Fixer parade is a time honored tradition in New Haven’s African-American community,” Hillhouse High School Principal and mayoral candidate Kermit Carolina said in a statement. “The event
brings back some of my most fondest memories of childhood and adolescence while growing up in New Haven. ... The parade will forever remain a part of me and I’m eagerly looking forward to
participating in this year’s festivities.”
Other mayoral candidates are expected to announce their participation in the parade in the coming days.
Police Chief Dean Esserman, Fire Chief Michael Grant and Mayor John DeStefano Jr. have confirmed their attendance at this year’s parade, according to parade organizers.
New Haven Firefighter and community activist Erika Bogan will serve as grand marshal, with the procession slated for 1:30 p.m. May 19, beginning on the corner of Dixwell Avenue and Morse Street in
Hamden.
“This (Freddie Fixer) parade is for our community and we hope that people come and join us this year,” said Vanea Burnett, 10, a Wexler Grant student who is marching in the parade. “This parade is
about respect and unity for me and so many other young girls, and to see the large crowds of people, shows that the community cares and supports the youth.”
CAMDEN SOPHISTICATED SISTERS - From Camden, New Jersey
AS SEEN ON GOOD MORNING AMERICA ON
MAY 6, 2013
THE
CAMDEN SOPHISTICATED SISTERS FROM CAMDEN, New Jersey
_________________________________
This Talented Group Of Young Ladies Will Be In Attendance At This Year's
Freddie Fixer Annual Drill - O - Rama & Competition, As Well As The Annual Parade!
Please Come Out And Show Your Support To Our Tri-State Neighbors!
File photo: The Tinytots of the Camden Sophisticated Sisters Drill Team Inc. perform a dance routine during the Love Changes Everything Showcase held at the Cooper B. Hatch Family School in Camden. / CHRIS LaCHALL/COURIER-POST
More
For years, Camden Sophisticated Sisters escaped city vices and hardships inside a water tower, where they danced and dreamed.
On Monday morning, members appeared on ABC’s “Good Morning America.” Members of the drill team captivated the national audience to the tune of Beyonce’s “Get Me Bodied.”
They even got a special surprise, in the form of a message to them from pop superstar Beyonce. Now on a world tour, the singer and actress said she was “very, very inspired” by their story, and added that she planned to send them “some love and goodies” and hoped to meet them.
The drill team members also learned that they would be receiving donations of 100 custom-made uniform sweaters, provided by Academyuniforms.com and A+ School Apparel, as well as 350 backpacks, provided by Bed, Bath and Beyond.
Founded in 1986 by Jones, Camden Sophisticated Sisters have multiplied their audience this year with appearances on CNN, "Rock Center with Brian Williams" and "Dancing With The Stars."
In February, Jones said she was determined to find a center sophisticated enough for her young ladies and men to train.
“If I had a proper space with a front door and a back door,” Jones said in February. “I wouldn’t have to constantly turn kids away,” Jones says.
SPECIAL GUEST APPEARANCE BY INTERNATIONAL ARTIST DOMINIKA STARA! Please Click On Her Photo For More Information About Dominika!
DOMINIKA STARA Courtesy Of Poncini ENTERTAINMEBNT
Dominika Stara And Poncini Entertainment Producer Ray Pouncey
Hartford, Connecticut - Police Department Drum Squad
DONATIONS FOR FREDDIE FIXER PARADE 2013 ARE NOW BEING ACCEPTED! PLEASE MAKE YOUR DONATION TODAY!
PLEASE MAKE YOUR DONATION TODAY!
CLICK ON THE PAYPAL LINK ABOVE AND SAFELY MAKE YOUR DONATION!
OR YOU CAN MAIL YOUR DONATION TO:
Freddie Fixer Parade, Inc.
37 Blake Street
New Haven, CT. 06511
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL: 203-558-0066
THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
THE FREDDIE FIXER PARADE 2012 50Th ANNIVERSARY GRAND MARSHAL - RETIRED CAPTAIN JOE J. DAVIS, CONNECTICUT STATE POLICE.
Captain Joe J. Davis, Retired, Connecticut State Police, 2011.
Also Scheduled To Return For THE FREDDIE FIXER PARADE 51ST ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION The Ebony Horsewomen, Inc. Junior Mounted Patrol Unit. DONATIONS ARE NEEDED TO BRING THEM BACK!
THE JUNIOR MOUNTED PATROL UNIT
The Junior Mounted Patrol Unit At The Freddie Fixer Parade 50Th Anniversary Celebration
PLEASE MAKE YOUR DONATION TODAY! SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY EVENT!
2010 PARADE SPECTATORS
KID'S FIRST Courtesy Of New Haven Public Schools
2010 PARADE SPECTATORS
START Community Bank
FREDDIE FIXER FOUNDING MEMBERS FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: EDWARD "ED" GRANT, EDNA BAKER-CARNEGIE & CHARLES TWYMAN. AT FAR RIGHT IS FRED SMITH JR.
SPONSORS AND DONORS INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:
_________________________________________________
YALE UNIVERSITY Office Of New Haven & State Affairs
START Community Bank
Superintendent Of New Haven Public Schools, Dr. Reginald Mayo
New Haven Board Of Aldermen
New Haven Fire Department - NHFD
New Haven Police Department - NHPD
____________________________________
CHURCHES INCLUDE:
-People Of God United To Stop Gun Violence
Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church
_____________________________________
DRILL TEAMS
MARCHING BANDS
*MASONS:
_____________________________________
-Prince Hall
-Arabic temple No. #40
-Widow's Son's Lodge
-King Solomon Lodge
-Oriental Lodge
-Eastern Lodge
MOTORCYCLE CLUBS - MC'S
___________
Soul Seekers, MC & CB Club
Flaming Knights, MC
High Rollaz Social And SUV Club
Wild Style Riders MC
President's MC
______________
FLOATS
DRUM CORPS
LIMOUSINES
CARS
ANTI-VIOLENCE GROUPS
THANKS TO EVERYONE IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR DONATIONS!
One Of The Founding Members Of The Freddie Fixer Parade Organization, the late Edward “ED” Grant, In Addition To The Late Dr. Fred Smith, continues to be an inspiration to the true and intended purpose of the Freddie Fixer Parade in 2011. It was Ed Grant who fought hard to remind many of the citizens that although it is named the “Freddie Fixer Parade” it was founded on the basis of an ecology program. This is exactly what he emphasized.
Armed with the blueprint from the late Dr. Fred Smith, Ed, Edna Baker-Carnegie, Charles Twyman and the Redevelopment Renewal Project the founding members set out to encourage residents in rebuilding their neighborhoods because they were in such "Bad Shape." Those who needed assistance whether it was with painting, trash removal or with repairs, the ultimate goal would be to personify the “Fix-Up Idea.”
Ed Grant, along with Charles Twyman would travel through the neighborhoods with truckloads of bricks and shovels teaching residents how to lay down walkways for the elderly, planting gardens and cleaning playgrounds for children.
Unbeknownst to many, there was an uphill battle to obtain funds for this event because
there was an all white Board of Alderman representing the wards in the City of New Haven, CT. Mr. Grant courageously requested funding anyway without the support of his colleagues. Miraculously,
funding was approved by one vote, and he successfully secured a grant for $1,200.00, which was considered to be a substantial amount of money at that time.
Mr. Grant also spearheaded recycling efforts that to date are replicated by the City of New Haven’s Public Works Department and Yale University. This was in addition to his dedication to establishing programs that provided assistance for substance abusers and alcoholics, that extended as far away as England.
There are many names associated with the evolvement of the parade from a local to a national level. Names include, but are not limited to the following: Jimmy Mitchell, Frank Amado (Columbus Day Parade) Lloyd Davis (Washington, DC.,) Fredland Douglas, Bill Donahue, Mayors Dick Lee and The Late Former New Haven Mayor, Ben Delieto, to name a few.
The current parade organizers are grateful to walk in the footsteps of Dr. Fred Smith, Ed Grant and all of the other founding members of The Freddie Fixer Parade.
Thanks For Your Contributions!
Maurice W. Smith,
President, Freddie Fixer Parade
Freddy Fixer, Inc.
37 Blake Street
New Haven, CT. 06511
203-558-0066
WHAT IS THE GOAL OF THE FREDDIE FIXER PARADE?
The Goal Of The Freddie Fixer Parade Is To Promote The Philosophy Of The Late Dr. Fred Smith, The Late Edward Grant, The Late Ms. Edna Baker-Carnegie, And Charles Twyman In Promoting Neighborhood Beautification, Recycling And Taking Pride In Our New Haven Neighborhoods.
This Of Course Includes STOPPING THE VIOLENCE!
MAKE YOUR DONATION TODAY! ALL DONATIONS ARE TAX-DEDUCTIBLE, AS THE FREDDIE FIXER PARADE ORGANIZATION IS A NON-PROFIT UNDER CODE 501 (c) (3) OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE.
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