The Parade boasts an annual attendance of 30,000 and was recognized by The Washington Post in 2006 and 2007 as one of the "must see" events in its annual "Year in Review." The many participants (including students, staff, alumni and friends) line the one and one half mile route which begins on the main campus of the University and proceeds south past the Howard University Hospital, extends through the historic LeDroit Park and Bloomingdale communities. Since its inception in 2004, the Homecoming Ambassador Program seeks to identify iconic African-American celebrities in music, film or sports to serve as the Homecoming Ambassador and Grand Marshal of the Homecoming Parade. Those selected uphold the University's core values of truth, service, leadership and excellence and have a strong commitment to community relations, outreach and development. The University has been honored to have LL COOL J and NEW EDITION serve as the inaugural ambassadors in 2004. The following year, METHOD MAN, TYSON BECKFORD, MYA and LARENZ TATE were bestowed with the honor. In 2006 the Homecoming Parade boasted the largest celebrity participation in the history of Homecoming. ICE CUBE served as the 2006 Homecoming Parade Grand Marshal under the theme "It's A Hollywood Howard Homecoming Parade." He was joined by a host of other celebrity participants including Brandon T. Jackson,Rick Gonzalez , Lil' Mo, Ken L. and a host of others. In 2007, the University welcomed with open arms the incomparable CHAKA KHAN who served as the "Grand Mistress of Ceremonies," while BOW WOW and OMARION served as the Homecoming Ambassadors and Grand Marshals.