The annual African American Day Parade stepped off Sunday along Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd, a landmark during the Harlem Renaissance, an era known for the major advancement of African American culture.

The day marked half a century of honoring African American heritage in the black capital of America.

"To see that it is at 50 years and I have been coming out here since I was a little girl, I've lived in the area and I watched it happen. I was always so excited,” said Cordell Cleare, a Grand Marshal of the African American Day Parade. “This day was, like, better than Christmas."

"Harlem is like the spine of the black people, that is us,” said Tamara Lrman, an organizer of the parade. “So we keep it here because it is us."

This year's parade theme was “Integrity & Transparency = Good Government.”

Keeping with that focus, ten political figures were honored as Grand Marshalls.

Organizers say with Harlem going through major redevelopment, it is important political leaders keep that focus.

"Harlem went through a lot of changes and now, [with] the opportunity to rebuild it, a lot of us are left out,” said Izak-el Pasha, another organizer of the parade. “We are fighting to say, ‘Listen, we suffered through this. Now is the time to rebuild it. Let us be partners in this, don't exclude us.’"

The parade route spanned two blocks through the heart of Harlem with African American culture on full display.

"Where else is it going to be? I mean this is the city, within the city, so if you are going to have something for the African American community, it would have to be here," said parade goer Vanessa Sanders.

Organizers say the goal is to honor people who have contributed to the success of the community, and to inspire future leaders.

"It is just really cool that we have a day to celebrate African Americans," said Belayneh Barkley, another parade goer.

It’s a special day for this community, a celebration many say they hope continues for 50 more years.