Actor LaRoyce Hawkins, artist Taylor Bennett, more talk Bud Billiken parade on 'Windy City Weekend'

Check out back-to-school deals from Couponology

ByABC7 Chicago Digital Team WLS logo

Friday, August 8, 2025

'Chicago P.D.' actor, Harvey native LaRoyce Hawkins joins 'Windy City Weekend'

CHICAGO (WLS) -- "Chicago P.D." actor and Harvey native LaRoyce Hawkins stopped by "Windy City Weekend" Friday to talk about his hometown, career success and serving as this year's grand marshal in the 96th Bud Billiken Parade.

Watch LaRoyce during ABC7 Chicago's live coverage of the Bud Billiken Parade on Saturday, Aug. 9, beginning at 10 a.m.

Road to the Bud

The South Shore Drill Team is showing off their moves ahead of the Bud Billiken Parade.

Every week, "Windy City" has been highlighting local dance groups participating in this year's Bud Billiken Parade. This week, the South Shore Drill Team gave a behind-the-scenes look at how they prepare for this big city event and shared what it means to them to be part of a Chicago legacy.

Taylor Bennett and Myiti Sengstacke-Rice

Here's what to know about the 2025 Bud Billiken parade.

Artist Taylor Bennett joined the president and CEO of the Chicago Defender Charities, Myiti Sengstacke-Rice, to talk about this weekend's Bud Billiken Parade. This major Chicago tradition, which celebrates youth and education, is one of the largest African American parades in the U.S. and features marching bands, dance teams and floats. It's all happening on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive.

Couponology

Here are some back-to-school deals with Couponology.

Summer is winding down, and students are gearing up for the new school year. Couponology spokesperson Diona Daghir shared exclusive deals on back-to-school essentials with "Windy City" contributor Jeanne Sparrow.

Reebok - Style is in session with Reebok. Save on best-selling shoes, apparel and more including Reebok's Mask Zig Dynamica 5 Shoes and Women's Zig Dynamica STR Running Shoes. The junior boys' running shoes are responsive, comfortable and versatile. The women's shoes set you up with soft EVA cushioning in that iconic zigzag shape. The mesh upper boosts breathability, so your feet feel fresh through it all.

Receive an extra 60% off select sale styles and 40% off select full price items with code: WINDYCITY.

Avon - From skincare essentials to everyday makeup must-haves, Avon picks are great for students heading back to campus - affordable, effective and easy to use. Chicago out the Beyond Glow Lipcerin Color Shift Tinted Lip Care in both Day Shift (Warm Pink) and Night Shift (Cool Pink) shades. This tinted lip care not only nourishes dry lips, but it also interacts with your lips' pH and transforms to your personalized shade of pink. We also sampled the U Be U Body Mist and Body Cream. They both have delectable notes of sweet fig, coconut praline and whipped vanilla which absorbs quickly and leaves skin feeling soft, supple and beautifully scented.

Receive 25% off sitewide with code: ABC25.

Society6 - Society6 offers an ever-evolving selection of designs and products, ensuring there's something for every style, season, and space. "Windy City Weekend" featured the Sphinx Moth Moon Garden Laptop Sleeve and the Le Léopard - Limited Edition Foil Art Print. Society6's laptop sleeves are crafted with a durable, woven polyester and are lined with a soft microfiber to prevent scratching your computer. This striking art piece makes a bold impression that shimmers with every shift of light. Every piece is crafted to spark curiosity and reflect your personal style whether at home or in the dorm room.

Save up to 30% off sitewide and get an extra 10% off with code: WINDYCITY10.