Thousands come together to celebrate Milwaukee's 53rd annual Juneteenth parade
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Thousands came out to Milwaukee's north side for the city's 53rd annual Juneteenth parade and celebration.
Despite temperatures reaching near 90 degrees, crowds flocked to the area. "I've been to every Juneteenth Day except for one," said Roy Evans. Juneteenth officially became a federally recognized holiday back in 2021, but Milwaukee has been celebrating Freedom Day since the 1970s.
"This is the reason I come, to see all the growth and development and what is real out here in Milwaukee....it reinforces my belief that Milwaukee is a very powerful place," said Evans.
Evans says he holds much pride for how the celebration has grown over the years. Part of continuing that growth, he says, is introducing the significance of the holiday to the next generation.
More than 50,000 people attend the parade each year, which is mostly organized by Northcott Neighborhood House. There were hundreds of parade participants, from elected officials to community groups and performers. CBS 58 was also a proud participant.
"I come every year and I enjoy the festivities. It's a wonderful day to celebrate Black freedom from slavery," said Leona Lewis.
Milwaukee's commitment to observing Juneteenth each year is felt across the community. Some say they hope the day is not just a celebration, but a reminder of progress that still needs to be made.
"We have a lot of work to do in this city...because everybody should be treated the same as equals," said Lewis. Juneteenth is about looking back to help move our community forward. "We need to be connected to the struggles of our ancestors. If you don't know history, if you don't know their struggles, it's hard for you to understand what your role and responsibility is in the whole process," said Evans.
Following the parade, the community enjoyed food, music, activities and more than 300 vendors. There are various Juneteenth celebrations planned throughout the city through the weekend.