NEWBURGH – The first annual African American Pride Parade and Festival took Saturday in the City of Newburgh and brought out many influential African American voices in the community.

Longtime community activist Sadie Tallie, who has lived in Newburgh since 1956, was the inaugural honoree for this year’s festival, which continues for a second and final day today.

The day was declared “Sadie Tallie Day.”

“They dedicated this day to me, and it’s just a pleasure and honor to be seen in that perspective,” said Tallie. “I’m very thankful to the City of Newburgh for this because I don’t take it lightly.”

“I don’t know anyone better to honor during the first annual African American Pride Parade in Festival,” said Mayor Torrance Harvey.

The event is said to be the brainchild of Councilwoman Hillary Rayford, who spearheaded a unanimous vote in the city council to host the event.

“It means a lot in the community to celebrate our history and culture when we haven’t had a steady event like this in the City of Newburgh,” Rayford said.

The event came after a a pair of shootings in the city that left one dead and two wounded.