NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — The annual Tennessee State University homecoming parade highlighted school spirit for current and former students.
On Saturday, thousands of spectators lined Jefferson Street in north Nashville awaiting the start of the parade at 9:00 a.m.
City leaders, first-responders, and local high school marching bands were among the hundreds of groups participating in the annual event.
Former TSU football player Christion Abercrombie, 21, was selected as the Special Presidential Grand Marshal. This was the Atlanta-native's first Homecoming weekend after suffering a life-altering head injury during a 2018 football game.
"It makes me feel real good, it's a blessing. Can't do nothing but thank God and TSU for giving me the opportunity to do it," he said.
The parade started on 14th and Jefferson Street and ended at 33rd and John Merritt Blvd.
For TSU alum, Earl Jones '73, he enjoyed the parade with his two great-granddaughters and wife. He said he loved the tradition of going with family and seeing friends.
"Just coming back and seeing all the faces and people and ages and all that stuff and youngsters still carrying on traditions. People don't know this has a lot of history for back in the day when the Ritz Theater was on Jefferson and everything, Fisk oh man just so much pride," Jones said.
Other Grand Marshals for the Homecoming parade included Ola Hudson, retired teacher and administrator with the Metro Nashville Public Schools; Obie McKenzie, senior relationship manager for top investment firm BlackRock; and Donald Whitehead, retired journalist and broadcaster.
