This past Sunday afternoon, the Young Men Olympian Junior Benevolent Association, one of the three remaining original Social Aid & Pleasure Clubs, celebrated its 126th anniversary with a second line featuring six different divisions: the Original 1st, 3rd, New Look, Big Steppers, Furious Five and the Untouchables. Each division was accompanied by their own brass band, including Rebirth, the Hot 8, Young Fellaz and more. Tragically, for the second time this fall the day was marred by a fatal shooting on the route, although in neither case has there been any connection between the shooters, victims, Social Aid & Pleasure Clubs, or their paraders.
The parade started at the Young Men Olympian Junior Benevolent Association, Inc. Hall at 2101 South Liberty Street. It proceeded to Simon Bolivar Avenue to LaSalle Street, Washington Avenue, and Dryades Street, stopping at the Sportsman’s Lounge at 2433 Dryades Street. It then continued to Bean Brothers at 2600 Danneel Street, Wood’s Barber Shop at 3304 LaSalle Street, and Club S&S at 2600 MLK Boulevard before disbanding back at the Young Men Olympian Junior Benevolent Association Hall. The shooting took place at the corner of First and Dryades, after the second line had already passed.
All photos below were taken by Kim Welsh.
