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Milwaukee Juneteenth Parade back for 52nd year
Milwaukee has one of the longest-running Juneteenth celebrations. Monday, June 19 marked 52 years of celebrating the now federal holiday.
MILWAUKEE - Milwaukee has one of the longest-running Juneteenth celebrations. Monday, June 19 marked 52 years of celebrating the now federal holiday.
"I want them to know what this is really all about," said Annie Jones.
Jones runs a day care center on Milwaukee’s northside. She said it was important to bring the kids to Milwaukee’s 52nd Juneteenth celebration.
2023 Juneteenth Parade in Milwaukee
"It's not just about getting candy," said Jones. "I want to teach them that it’s OK to get candy, but you have to know why you’re here."
The annual Juneteenth Day celebration is a nationwide event commemorating freedom proclaimed to all enslaved people of African descent in the South by Union General Gordon Granger on June 19, 1865, in Galveston, Texas, nearly two and a half years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation.
2023 Juneteenth Parade in Milwaukee
It's something the co-grand marshals of the parade said they don’t want anyone to forget.
"Blood, sweat and tears were shed for us to have this, so as we enjoy each other and enjoy this moment, understand the why of this moment," said Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman.
Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman
The theme of this year’s parade was "I Am Juneteenth." FOX6 asked some of the younger parade spectators what that meant to them.
"Watching all the people dance and drive by," said Maliia Gracy. "I like to see the horses and the police!"
"Today is about the freedom of slaves, and how slaves got free in 1865," said Ava McKenzie.
2023 Juneteenth Parade in Milwaukee
For many, the goal of this year’s celebration was to promote peace and love.
"It’s important to have these kinds of events because it promotes unity amongst all different races," said Darrell Campbell, Alpha Phi Alpha. "It promotes diversity and just who we are as a people."
"We are out here peaceful, out here together and out here united," said Tonny Finchis.
2023 Juneteenth Parade in Milwaukee
The parade started at 9 a.m., followed by opening ceremonies at 11 a.m.
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The street festival ran from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on King Drive between Concordia and Center with food, vendors, music, games, community resources, a Senior Zone, a Veteran Zone, a Kids' Zone, a Teen Zone and more.