South Side cheerleading squad to perform in Bud Billiken Parade thanks to generous donation

CHICAGO – A South Side cheerleading squad was all smiles Thursday thanks to a big donation that will help keep their dreams of performing in the Bud Billiken Parade afloat.

The Chi-Town cats have called the South Side home for decades and they’ve routinely been part of the best back-to-school bash on the block.

The Bud Billiken Parade will be back in action next month, but there was concern the Chi-Town Cats wouldn’t be part of it due to all the costs involved.

However, Early Walker – founder of the nonprofit “I’m Telling, Don’t Shoot” – decided to take care of the parade costs with a $2,000 check after being made aware of the situation on social media.

“Kids shouldn’t be denied the opportunity of a lifetime to perform in the Bud Billiken parade. The parade means so much to kids throughout Cook County,” Walker said in a news release. “The issues in which the girls are facing are real adult issues that shouldn’t result in denying kids the chance to showcase their talents to the world.”

That means the show will go on for the Cats.

“We show the violent stories, but not these stories. These kids are talented, you know, and they need us to step up,” Walker said.

If you want to help keep the team flipping and tumbling, a helping hand is always appreciated.

“It’s hard out here just to exist and we want these kids to go the right way. We want them to be able to make the right decisions, healthy decisions for themselves, for their families and community, so we appreciate any donation,” coach Nicole Smith-Franklin said.

For more information on the Chi-Town Cats and to make any donations, click here .

If you want to see the kids do all the twists and flips, head on over to the Bud Billiken Parade on Aug. 10 right down King Drive.

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