Milwaukee County unveils 1st-ever Juneteenth bus ahead of this week's celebrations

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Milwaukee County's first Juneteenth bus was unveiled a day before celebrations begin across the area.

For 53 years, Milwaukee has been celebrating Juneteenth, honoring history and culture. "We are home to the nation's oldest and longest-running Juneteenth Day celebration," said Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley.

Officials are calling the Juneteenth bus a "moving mural" and say it will travel along MCTS routes for one year, marking the county's commitment to advancing racial equity.

"To see this day come forth, where we can see a bus that reflects the community that it's in, with faces of those individuals that are in the community," said Sequanna Taylor, 5th district Milwaukee County supervisor.

The Juneteenth bus is designed by artists from Milwaukee's TRUE Skool, a nonprofit empowering youth through hip-hop culture and art.

"A big part about my artwork is representation and being able to represent Black and brown people in the community," said Adjua Nsoroma, whose work is represented on the door entrance side of the bus.

Nsoroma, along with Alex Solis, won a live mural contest to get this opportunity. Solis' work can be seen on the driver's side of the bus.

"Just having my work spread out for the community to be able to see what I do, not only helps me to inspire my children, but it helps... inspire others," he said.

The bus, along with the various Juneteenth activities available to the community this week, are a reminder of the importance of this day.

Tony Kearney is executive director at Northcott Neighborhood House and president of Juneteenth Milwaukee.

"It's for everyone. Juneteenth is an American holiday, and every American is welcome," he said. Milwaukee's 53rd annual Juneteenth parade kicks off Wednesday at 9 a.m. near Atkinson through MKE Drive. 

There are hundreds of vendors involved and activities for all ages during the parade. There are also various other celebrations happening throughout the city.

America's Black Holocaust Museum has activities for all ages through Saturday. Milwaukee’s Juneteenth Gospel Fest will be held Saturday at noon in Hart Park.

Various bars and restaurants have special Juneteenth happenings across the city as well.