Affinia Healthcare Staff, Contractors & Volunteers,

Growing up in North St. Louis, it was our official start to summer – the Annie Malone May Day Parade! For years, St. Louis families have participated in this time-honored tradition, and I am humbled to be selected to serve as this year’s Grand Marshal.

The Anne Malone May Day Parade is one of the oldest and largest parades in the area, having inspired the St. Louis community since 1910. Today, the parade has grown to be the 2nd largest African-American parade in the country with over 3,500 participants and 30,000 spectators.

More importantly, the May Day parade is Annie Malone’s largest fundraiser with proceeds covering both direct program costs and operating expenses not covered by other sources of revenue. I am honored and so excited to support this pillar of our community that continues to serve our children and families.

I am personally inviting each of you to come out and participate in what I know will be a great time for you and your families. If you attend every year, or haven’t been in a while, your support makes a difference for children and families in our community.

The parade starts at 1 p.m., Sunday, May 19 in downtown St. Louis. (We will share the parade route as the date gets closer.)

As before, we will have staff participating in the parade, walking the route with our mobile unit. If you would like to participate, please email Crystal Kennedy in Community Health, ckennedy@affiniahealthcare.org.

For more information on the parade, visit the website at https://www.anniemalone.org/annie-malone-parade/ 

I look forward to seeing you at the May Day Parade!

Sincerely,

Dr. Kendra Holmes

Affinia Healthcare President & CEO