 The Club was dedicated to supporting Chicago’s black youth, and frequently paid tribute to outstanding individuals.In 1935, the Club honored Cleotis Brittenum of Holly Springs, Mississippi for selling more "Defender" subscriptions “than any other Billiken.” At the annual Parade Cleotis rode in style on a white and gold float with the American Legion Drum and Bugle Corps broadcasting his ride through the South Side.The billiken, a smiling, rotund, elfin creature, popular in the early 1900s, became the mascot for the Bud Billiken Club when Abbott spotted a jolly deity on the door of a Chinese restaurant; upon learning that the jolly deity was the protector of children, he adopted the billiken as mascot of the Club.