Community groups will gather in downtown Pittsburgh Saturday to march in the city’s 24th annual African-American Heritage Day Parade.

Parade co-chair Michelle Jackson said about 100 organizations with ties to the African-American comunity have signed up to take part in this year’s event. She said the groups range from sororities and fraternities to housing organizations and bands.

“We’ll also have floats from the Housing Authority, City of Pittsburgh; Allegheny County Housing Authority’s float will be there, and Perry High School Band, and other high school bands as well,” said Jackson.

This year, African-American advocate Vernon Stanfield will be honored at the event.

She said last year’s parade drew about 5,000 people; she expects this year’s event to bring in more spectators.

The parade begins at the Civic Arena at 11:00 AM Saturday; runs along Center Avenue, 6th Street, and Liberty Avenue; and finishes at 1:00 PM at the August Wilson Center.  Jackson said the August Wilson Center will be hosting various events in celebration of African American Heritage Day from 12:30-5:00 PM.