Bud Billiken Parade Includes Message From Slain Boy's Family: "Love Your Kids"

CHICAGO (CBS) -- It's billed as the largest and oldest African-American parade and celebration in the nation, but one group marched with heavy hearts as they took part in the Bud Billiken Parade on Saturday.

The annual Bud Billiken Parade and Picnic is focused on family, friends, and youth; specifically getting kids excited for the upcoming school year, and keeping them safe throughout.

Hundreds of thousands lined the streets off King Drive as they celebrate the upcoming school year, which begins Sept. 8 for the Chicago Public Schools.

Those taking part in the parade focused on food and fun, but there were times Temeko Clemons was reminded about a family friend marching with a heavy heart, after the death of his son.

"By me having kids, and knowing some of the people that lost their kids, it's very touching." Clemons said.

Antonio Brown walked in the parade for his son, 7-year-old Amari Brown, who was shot and killed on July 4th.

"It tore me up, from the knees on up. I'm just here to support my son," Antonio Brown said.

Police said the shooting was gang-related, and the gunman was aiming for Antonio.

"For a 7-year-old to lose his life like that, that was very touching," Clemons said.

The Chicago Police Department said, as of last month, they've taken more than 4,200 guns off the streets this year. That's the equivalent of one recovered every 80 minutes.

Clemons said those numbers were shocking. She said kids should be taught from a young age to stay away from guns.

"I want my kids to bury me. I don't want to bury my kids," she said.

Brown also had a message for other parents.

"Love your kids. Come close to y'all kids," he said.

In a sea of celebration, one family's march went against the current, but the meaning made an impact. The question is, for how long?

"Our youth need more than just this parade to give them a different outlook on life," Clemons said.

On the parade's website, President Barack Obama shared a message calling on police, parents, teachers, and youth to combat what he called "the epidemic of violence."