WHO WE ARE

Robert Sengstacke Abbott, a Georgian native and son of freedman slaves, was formally trained as an attorney. However, upon settling in Chicago, he learned the printing trade and founded a newspaper in 1905, still in publication called the Chicago Defender.

The Bud Billiken® Parade is more than a procession of bands and floats marching down King Drive, it’s a commemoration of our past and a celebration of our future. Every summer since 1929, “The Bud” has united African-Americans throughout the city of Chicago in music, dance, food, and laughter. It’s one of the only spaces where we can openly and emphatically praise the historic roots that plant us into the South Side of Chicago. 

Myiti Sengstacke-Rice now continues the legacy of 4 generations – she was voted President and CEO of the Chicago Defender Charities in February 2017. Under Myiti’s leadership she has since being doing business as the Robert Sengstacke Abbott (RSA) Charities to honor the legacy her family and community.

MISSION

We connect the community to opportunities dedicated to performing arts, education, health, wellness, business training and entrepreneurial development. We strive to unite, empower, improve the quality of life, and enrich families and individuals in our communities.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Bud Billiken® Internship Program is a work experience rooted in community and learning. Each intern will be placed on a team and with an experienced leader in a role that is in line with Intern career goals, education and previous work experiences. 

Program Details: 

Dates: May 2024 – August 2024 

Available Opportunities: 

• Events + Office Support Intern: Support with daily office management and customer service. Assist the Bud Billiken® Parade Coordinator with participant communication, training and the Bud Billiken® registration website.

• Program & Communications Intern: Support with managing performing teams, providing information to the community on the Bud Billiken® Parade and other events using Social Media and other methods.

• Sponsor Intern: Assist the sponsorship management team with tracking sponsor deliverables, sponsor hospitality and on-site support. 

• Marketing Intern: Work with the marketing team on social media, tracking creative deliverables and informing the community on Bud Billiken® events.

• Festival (Events) Intern: Assist with vendor communications, Festival Marshal trainings and on-site vendor check-in.

Learning & Coaching: Interns will benefit from weekly learning opportunities in a group or one-on-one setting. A performance evaluation/feedback session will be given each month to track growth and program experience. Professional Development sessions will be provided to all interns hosted by Fierce Staffing Services. 

Program Expectations

1. All interns are expected to be available to work a minimum of 20 hours per week during program dates.

2. Interns will abide by the values and code of conduct expectations of the Bud Billiken® team.

3. Interns will be committed to their own learning and development and will follow-up with leadership as needed.

4. Interns will arrive on time for all scheduled office days and other duties.  

5. Interns are committed to meeting deadlines and following-up on projects when needed and are expected to ask for support if experiencing a challenge.

6. Every intern is a team player and committed to community success.