HARRISBURG, October 9, 2008 – State Senator Wayne D. Fontana (D-Allegheny) today commended community leaders and activists on their successful efforts to re-start of this weekend’s Afro-American Heritage Day Parade.

“Pittsburgh’s “Afro-American Heritage Parade is a great tradition dating back two decades,” Fontana said. “It is a proud and joyous event celebrating our region’s African American heritage.

“I am proud to have played a role in getting the parade up and running aqain and look forward to taking part in it this Saturday’s spectacle.”

Fontana obtained $5,000 in state funds to help fund the parade, which attracts over 900 participants and 5,000 spectators.

The parade starts at 11 a.m. at Mellon Arena, downtown, and ending at the United Steelworkers Building.

The Brookline lawmaker commended the parade committee, chaired by Harvey Adams Jr., Vice-chair Doris Carson Williams, Treasurer LeVera Brown and the late Judge Walter Little.

“It’s a great community family event,” Fontana said. “I urge citizens to come out and support this event.”