2026 Bridging the Gap Parade and Community Resource Fair to Honor the Enduring Legacy of Bishop Dr. Claude Porter

2026 Bridging the Gap Parade and Community Resource Fair to Honor the Enduring Legacy of Bishop Dr. Claude Porter

September 12 event will unite the community for a parade, tribute, resources, youth activities, senior programming, food, and family fun

The 2026 Bridging the Gap Parade and Community Resource Fair will bring communities together on Saturday, September 12, 2026, under the theme “One Legacy, Many Bridges.” The celebration will honor the late Bishop Dr. Claude Porter, visionary leader and founder of Bridging the Gap Parade and PLCCA INC, whose life was dedicated to service, faith, youth, and community empowerment.

The parade steps off at 10:00 a.m. at 25th Avenue and Washington Boulevard in Bellwood. The procession will travel along Washington Boulevard and conclude at Proviso East High School’s Football Stadium. At noon, the community will gather at the stadium for a tribute to Bishop Porter and the Community Resource Fair.

Designed for every generation, the fair will feature more than 50 vendors and community resources, Walgreens and a dental van, food trucks, and opportunities for residents to connect with services and local organizations. Families can also enjoy a dedicated Kids Zone and Youth Village featuring basketball, inflatables, gaming trucks, and more. A Seniors Lounge will offer games, music, and food in a welcoming space created especially for older adults.

“Bishop Porter believed deeply in the power of service, faith, youth, and united communities,” said Claudette P. Harrell, President & CEO of PLCCA. “This event is an opportunity to celebrate the bridges he built and to carry that legacy forward with joy, purpose, and connection.”

The 2026 Bridging the Gap Parade and Community Resource Fair is proudly presented by Amazon. Sponsors and media partners include Associated Bank, UnitedHealthcare, Sparrow Coffee, US Bank, Central Credit Union, Proviso Community Bank, SEIU Local 1, Habilitative Systems, Inc., NBC5 Chicago, Telemundo Chicago, Clear Channel Outdoor, Paramount Media Group, Power92.3, JAM98, The Chicago Crusader, and The Talk of Chicago 1690AM WVON.

Community members are invited to bring their families, invite their neighbors, and take part in a day of remembrance, resources, and celebration. For event updates and additional details, visit plccabtgp.org.

About the Bridging the Gap Parade and Community Resource Fair

The Bridging the Gap Parade and Community Resource Fair is a community-centered celebration that brings people together through service, faith, youth engagement, and empowerment. The 2026 event advances the theme “One Legacy, Many Bridges” while honoring the founder whose vision continues to inspire connection and opportunity across the community.

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