Norwalk Black Heritage Parade postponed until Oct.

Update: Due to weather, the parade has been postponed until Oct. 11.

NORWALK, Conn. — Joseph E. Mann, a lifelong Norwalk resident and former state lawmaker, will serve as Grand Marshal of the 2nd Annual Norwalk Black Heritage Parade on Saturday, Sept. 26. The African American Association of Norwalk announced the honor.

The parade steps off at 11 a.m. at 84 N. Main St. and ends at 50 Washington St. A post-parade celebration starts at noon. The event celebrates the history, culture, and achievements of the city’s Black community.

According to the association’s route map, marchers will head south on North Main Street and continue onto South Main Street. They will turn onto Haviland Street, then head back up to Washington Street and follow it west to the finish.

Mann moved to Norwalk at age 3 and attended Norwalk Public Schools. He graduated from Brien McMahon High School in 1973. He later studied business administration at Bethune-Cookman College and graduated from Hartford Seminary, the association said.

He served nine years on the Norwalk Common Council, now called the City Council, including a term as council president. He then represented the 140th Assembly District in the Connecticut House of Representatives from 2003 to 2007.

Over the years, Mann has held leadership and service roles with many groups. They include Norwalk Economic Opportunity Now, the Norwalk NAACP, Norwalk Community Health Center, the YMCA of Norwalk, Norwalk Hospital, the Maritime Aquarium, New Light Missionary Baptist Church and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc.

His honors include the Rev. J.P. Ball Award for Leadership and the Thurgood Marshall Community Service Award. He was also named one of Connecticut’s 100 Most Influential Black residents.

“Join us on September 26 as we celebrate Joseph E. Mann and Norwalk’s Black heritage, history, culture, and community,” the association said in its announcement.

Organizers say the streets will fill with music, dance and step teams, community groups, businesses, churches, schools, youth groups, elected officials, decorated vehicles and cultural performances. They describe the day as a display of unity and pride.

After the parade, the celebration will continue in the park. Organizers said the park will have live music and entertainment, food vendors and food trucks, local vendors and community organizations, family-friendly activities, special presentations and recognitions, and chances to connect with neighbors.