News Summary
Newport News will host the 34th Annual Southeast Community Day Parade and Festival, bringing a weekend of celebratory activities centered around the theme ‘Building a Stronger Community.’ Activities include a Presidential Reception, a film screening, a parade featuring the Hampton University Marching Force Band, and free health screenings provided by the Sentara Community Care Mobile Health Unit RV. This event promises to enhance community ties and promote well-being among attendees.
Newport News will host the 34th Annual Southeast Community Day Parade and Festival on September 5 and 6, 2025. The event, organized by For The People MOS, Inc., in collaboration with the City of Newport News, promises a weekend of celebratory activities centered on this year’s theme: “Building a Stronger Community.”
The festival will feature the Andrew Shannon Gospel Music Weekend and will kick off on Friday, September 5, with a Presidential Reception at 6 p.m. at the Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center. Attendees wishing to join the reception will need to purchase tickets, whereas a film screening slated for 7:30 p.m. will be free and open to the public. Additionally, local author Gisele Peake Russell will participate in a book signing on the same day.
The parade will commence on Saturday, September 6, starting at 10 a.m. after lineup at 9 a.m. in the 3700 block of Chestnut Avenue near Booker T. Washington Middle School. Following the parade, festival-goers can enjoy the Southeast Community Day Festival and the Andrew Shannon Gospel Music Celebration at the grounds of Zion Baptist Church.
The Hampton University Marching Force Band, under the direction of Dr. Thomas Jones, will headline the parade, adding a vibrant musical element to the festivities. This year, the event will also highlight the achievements of award-winning journalist Keith A. Beauchamp, who will serve as the Keynote Speaker and Parade Grand Marshal. Beauchamp has garnered attention for his significant work, including the acclaimed 2005 documentary about the murder of Emmett Till, which played a key role in reopening the case by Mississippi officials. His recent collaboration with Mamie Till-Mobley resulted in the film “TILL” (2023).
To enhance community well-being, the Sentara Community Care Mobile Health Unit RV will be present during the festival, providing free health screenings for blood pressure, A1C, and BMI, thereby encouraging health awareness amongst attendees.
The entire Southeast Community Day Parade and Festival is free and accessible to the public, and the parade is set to continue regardless of weather conditions, including rain or snow. For those interested in attending the Presidential Reception, ticket purchasing and additional information can be found on the organizing entity’s website.
Since its inception in 1991 by Andrew Shannon, the Southeast Community Day Parade has been an essential part of celebrating the local community, and this year’s event is expected to strengthen community ties and foster a spirit of togetherness.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Historic Flooding Sweeps Through Milwaukee with Over 12 Inches of Rainfall
Latest Updates on the Lee and Elk Fires in Western Colorado
Traffic Safety Activist Charged After Creating Chalk Crosswalk
Newport News Trades Center to Boost Local Workforce Training
Historic Triangle Restaurants Compete in Hot Tomato Summer Contest
Man Charged with First-Degree Murder in Newport News Stabbing
Road Delays Expected for Triathlons in James City County
Massive Meteor Causes Sonic Boom and Damage in North Georgia
Thousands Rally in Williamsburg Against Trump Administration
Williamsburg Gears Up for Live Music Festival
Additional Resources
- 13 News Now: Southeast Community Day Parade
- 13 News Now: 34th Annual Southeast Community Day Parade
- Pilot Online: Southeast Community Day Parade
- Wikipedia: Newport News, Virginia
- Google Search: Southeast Community Day Parade
Author: STAFF HERE WILLIAMSBURG WRITER
WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER The WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWilliamsburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Williamsburg, James City County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Williamsburg Farmers Market, Yorktown Market Days, and Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, plus leading businesses in education and hospitality that power the local economy such as College of William & Mary, The Williamsburg Winery, and Sodexo. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREVirginiaBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.
