The streets of Montgomery, Alabama came alive with energy and excitement on Nov. 28 as the 88th annual Turkey Day Parade marched through the city, honoring nearly nine decades of tradition.

Held in conjunction with the 100th anniversary of the Turkey Day Classic football game, the parade captivated spectators with its theme, “A Legacy of Gold: A Centennial Celebration,” highlighting Alabama State University’s rich heritage and vibrant community spirit.

The weather couldn’t dampen the spirits of the young lady chosen by the student body as Miss Senior, Faith Blackwell, as she reflected on the day’s significance.

“I’m just grateful to be alive today and to witness the start of this historic tradition, the 100th Turkey Day Classic,” she said. “Though it’s cold and rainy, I feel great this morning and ready to persevere. This day reminds us that through trials and tribulations, there’s still so much to be thankful for.”

For Chief Golden Ambassador Aaron D. McNeil Jr., the day was about more than just the rivalry; it celebrated unity and history.

“Honestly, it’s super historic, especially when you look back on the past in this game,” he said. “It’s about bringing the community together, Tuskegee and ASU. I know many people think there’s a big rivalry, but at the end of the day, it’s all HBCU love. I’m just glad to be here in the moment.”

Student Government Association President Landon Hale emphasized the importance of the event for alumni and the vibrant atmosphere it brings.

“It’s an amazing experience, especially for alumni, considering how many people come out who’ve been a part of homecoming,” he said. “It’s such a great atmosphere and truly highlights the pride of ASU.”

For alumna Gloria Callens, the Turkey Day Parade is a lifelong tradition that she plans to continue as long as she is able.

“I’ve been coming to this parade for about 50-something or more years, and I enjoy it,” she said. “We walked from the West Side, and I’m here. I’m parked over there at the farmers market, and I’m here for my granddaughter. She’s a Golden Ambassador, so I want to see and be here for the first part of the parade. I’m going to come back until I can’t. I’ll be here on my birthday, but as long as I’m still alive, I’m going to be here.”

Callens, a retired teacher, reflected on her connection to the university.

“Oh, I am a graduate of ASU. I graduated with my daughter back in 1994, and she’s teaching at Pike Road,” she said.

For Montgomery resident Quita Rudolph, the Turkey Day Parade is an annual family tradition her kids look forward to every year.

“My kids love the parade, so we come to the parade every year,” she said. “Actually, they were supposed to be in the parade, but they chickened out.” Though she isn’t an alumnus, Rudolph shared her favorite part of the parade. “Actually, the band,” she said.

For Holsie Griffin of Greenville, Alabama, attending the Turkey Day Parade is an annual tradition that he eagerly looks forward to.

“This parade is historic,” he said. “I mean, every year I try to attend and come out to enjoy my family, enjoy my friends. You know, just a good sight to see.”

With this year marking the 100th Turkey Day Classic, Griffin was especially enthusiastic about being part of the celebration.

“Oh, man, I feel great about it. Really great, great, great, great, great,” he said with excitement. “I think it’s a lot. I’m glad to be here. Glad to be alive. I mean, did you see it? There’s so many things I can say about it, but like I say, it’s just great to be here. I never went to school here, but like I said, I love it.”

The Turkey Day Parade has always been a staple for Patricia Lewis, but this year was particularly meaningful with her granddaughter serving as Little Miss Hornet at Alabama State University.

“It’s just an event that I’ve always attended over the years, and it makes it even more special with her being Little Miss,” she said.

Lewis shared her admiration for the university and the historic milestone of the 100th Turkey Day Classic.

“It feels wonderful,” she said. “It’s an HBCU, and with all that we go through, they’re still standing after 100 years.”

The energy of the band is what drew Douglass Rice to the Turkey Day Parade, as he proudly cheered for students he knew who were part of the performance.

“I enjoyed the band, man. I got a couple of students that are in the band,” he said.

Rice’s connection to the band runs deep, with his sons having been members themselves. “My two sons played in the band, and one of them was a drum major, so I’ve always been a band geek,” he said.

Rice acknowledged the weight of the 100th Turkey Day Classic, recognizing it as a rare and meaningful achievement.

“It’s a historical moment,” he said. “One hundred years. Most people don’t get to see that, so it’s always a good thing when you’re celebrating 100 years.”

After years away from Thanksgiving parades, Laquita Daniels felt the 100th Turkey Day Classic was the perfect time to return.

“I wanted to come see my alma mater Alabama State, where I played volleyball,” she said. “And then I have a daughter that dances for Kash Kinetics Dance.”

As an alumna, Daniels shared her pride in witnessing the milestone event.

“It means a lot,” she said. “And look who’s starting the parade off, Alabama State is starting first, so it means a lot. I’m excited.”

James Johnson, an alumnus of the university and former member of the Mighty Marching Hornets and the Student Orientation Services (SOS) leadership team, returned to the 100th Turkey Day Classic Parade to celebrate a cherished tradition.

“I was always in the parade when I was a part of the organization,” he said. “So, being an alumnus, I always have to come back and support my school, especially when it’s against Tuskegee University. It’s exciting to come out here, see all the families, see all the kids, future Hornets, enjoying the day, and just to see the school in action. The Turkey Day Classic is one of my favorite football games to go to, so that’s why I’m here every year.”

When asked about his favorite part of the parade, Johnson didn’t hesitate. “It’s always the best band in the land,” he said. “Will always be my favorite part of the parade.”

Reflecting on the significance of the 100th Turkey Day Classic, Johnson expressed pride in this historic achievement.

“Oh my goodness. To hold the title of the oldest HBCU classic is just amazing,” he said. “It means so much that we’re the ones who started the classic game here. It’s an incredible experience to be part of that history.”

Celeste Taylor, a 2013 undergraduate and 2014 master’s graduate of the university, returned to the Turkey Day Parade to support her sister.

“I came to support my sister,” she said. “I’m not sure exactly which organization she’s with, I just came out to support.”

When asked about the significance of the 100th Turkey Day Classic, Taylor summed it up in two words. “Black excellence.”

Alumnae Vivian Davis and her sister Joyce Thomas traveled from Atlanta to attend the 100th Turkey Day Parade, a tradition they hold close to their hearts.

“We always come,” Davis said. “We live in Atlanta, Georgia, but we went to Alabama State. This is part of Southern culture. They don’t do this in New York, only in the southern states at HBCU schools.”

For Davis, the parade’s highlight is always the lively performances.

“When you know, they give you something special, when you’re at a certain part of the parade, the band does the dancing and all of that,” she said.

Davis also emphasized its importance for the next generation.

“It means everything,” she said. “I just love to see so many young people here, especially those not in high school yet. They may choose to come to Alabama State or another HBCU.”

Thomas, who graduated from the university in 1969 and recently celebrated her 50th reunion, cherishes the Turkey Day Parade as an integral part of Thanksgiving. “I love to come to the parade. It’s traditional. It’s part of our Thanksgiving,” she said. “I had two sisters, a brother, and a cousin that graduated from Alabama State.”

For Thomas, the legacy of the university and the Turkey Day Classic carries deep meaning.

“Why do people go to college and not graduate? We graduated,” she said. “And even those who didn’t graduate, they still say they are part of ASU. It’s just something about being at ASU.”

For Ginny Pettway, a 1976 graduate of Alabama State University, the Turkey Day Parade is a cherished tradition she continues to support year after year.

“I live here, and I’m going to always support the Thanksgiving parade. It’s a tradition,” she said.

Though she doesn’t have a particular favorite part of the parade, Pettway emphasized the importance of the 100th Turkey Day Classic for the university community.

“It is a tremendous significance,” she said. “It’s a time to reflect

. For 100 years, this school has prospered and it has grown.”

For Sherry Jackson, a 1992 graduate of the university, returning for the Turkey Day Classic Parade is both a homecoming and a celebration of tradition.

“It’s always great to come home and celebrate with Alabama State University, my alma mater,” she said. “The festivities about the parade are what I love. Go, Hornets!”

Jackson reminisced about how the Turkey Day Classic once served as the university’s homecoming before the schedule changed to better accommodate students.

“Thanksgiving was homecoming for Alabama State University,” she said. “In recent years, they moved homecoming up so students could enjoy it, since many head home or travel during Thanksgiving.”

Her favorite part of the parade, unsurprisingly, is the performance by the band.

“My favorite part? The Mighty Marching Hornets of Alabama State University,” she said. “Of course, as an alum, everything Alabama State is what you enjoy. But I just love seeing the two historically Black colleges in Alabama come together.”

As someone who has participated in the Turkey Day Classic for over 40 years, Jackson expressed gratitude for witnessing its centennial.

“That means everything. It’s a blessing,” she said. “I’m honored and grateful to be part of this 100th Turkey Day celebration.”