12:54 AM CST on Monday, January 23, 2006

KMOV-TV

A 100-year-old St. Louis tradition is on the move — and organizers say they want everyone to know about it.

The Annie Malone Parade is moving to downtown St. Louis.

Last week, the Annie Malone board of directors approved the change.

It's the fourth time the route has changed. It began as a simple celebration around the orphanage. It was moved to Kingshighway, and later to Natural Bridge.

The parade has been growing over the years, now with more than 150,000 spectators.

The parade will move east between Jefferson and Broadway.

The event is the oldest and second-largest African-American parade in the nation.

Many say moving the parade out of North St. Louis will promote unity.

Still others say the parade should remain a North city tradition.

The 100th annual parade, scheduled for May 21, raises money for the Annie Malone Service Center, which helps St. Louis children and families.