The Los Angeles Poverty Department Honors the History and Heroes of Skid Row at its 2018 edition of Biennial “Walk the Talk Parade”. The event takes place Saturday, April 21st between the hours of 11:00 am – 3:00 pm with a parade route that begins at 800 East 6th Street.
The event is free and open to all and chronicles the ongoing story of Skid Row within its path. Celebrating the accomplishments of the Skid Row community and honoring some of the individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the community, the parade commemorates those who make a difference in people’s lives every day.
This year’s honorees are:
Tiffany Rose – founder of My Friends House LA
Steve Diaz – Deputy Director of Organizing at Los Angeles Community Action Network
Bobby Buck – Skid Row’s video/photographer and founder of The Bobby Buck Show
Vijay Gupta – founder of Street Symphony
Demetra Wilson-Washington – outreach Minister with Central City Community Outreach
Andy Bales – Executive Director of the Union Rescue Mission
Eddie H. – Skid Row advocate, active in creating the ReFresh Spot, and Pastor Cue – founder of Tha Row – Church Without Walls.
Led by the brass band of L.A. Philharmonic violinist Vijay Gupta’s Street Symphony, together with community musicians, the parade makes its way through Skid Row, stopping at eight locations in the neighborhood.
At each stop, the actors and musicians of L.A. Poverty Department will do a short performance recounting the history and significance of each site and the story of the individual who is making a difference there. The audience is encouraged to follow this fun, funky and festive parade with its floats, costumes and sets designed by community artists, featuring portraits of the honorees by Skid Row artist and muralist CruShow Herring. Bring your tambourine, cowbell, laughter and spirit – be a part of the celebration! Audience members are encouraged to dress festive but appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable shoes, bring water and snacks.
L.A. Poverty Department’s “Walk the Talk Parade” is made possible in part by grants from the City of Los Angeles, Department of Cultural Affairs and the Los Angeles County Arts Commission. For more information visit www.lapovertydept.org
