The African-American Heritage Festival gets underway tonight, with Sunday's annual parade paying tribute to four prominent black figures that were lost this year: Rep. Donald M. Payne Sr., Whitney Houston, Trayvon Martin and Gil Noble.

The 46th annual festival, held in Weequahic Park in the city's South Ward, begins tonight at 6 p.m. and ends Monday at midnight and will feature a slew of family-friendly events, like live music, shopping vendors, carnival rides, games and a petting zoo.

This year's parade, the biggest in the state, is led by former state Assemblyman William D. Payne, brother of the late congressman, as the honorary grand marshal. The theme of the parade is "focusing on values, responsibility and healing … our families and community."

The parade begins at noon Sunday at Lincoln Park and will travel down Broad Street, ending at Mulberry Street and Edison Place. The grandstand will be located in front of the steps at city hall.

For more information on the parade and festival, contact the African-American Heritage Festival Parade Committee at 973-642-8760 or visit their website at aahpc.org

– Staff reports