Juneteenth commemorates the day in 1865 when Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, with the news – two years after President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation – that slaves had been freed.
Juneteenth is a relatively new federal holiday, but Milwaukee has been observing the day for years and last Monday was no exception. An annual parade, replete with vendors and other attractions, drew thousands.
NNS was there, too, snapping shots of Milwaukeeans observing the day.
Do you see yourself? Enjoy.
Many Milwaukeeans came out to see the Juneteenth Parade on Monday. Others paraded. (Photo by Sue Vliet)
The Issa Stampede Dance Team demonstrated its talents in this parade. (Photo by Sue Vliet)
It wasn’t just a parade – it was a party. (Photo by Sue Vliet)
As demonstrated here, floats were a big part of the parade. (Photo by Sue Vliet)
As always, youth were a big part of the Juneteenth celebration in Milwaukee. (Photo by Sue Vliet)
The Issa Stampede Dance Team gave its all at the Juneteenth celebration. (Photo by Sue Vliet)
A lot of community advocates, including the Social Development Commission, came out to celebrate and participate. (Photo by Sue Vliet)
Raise your hands if you’re having fun – and celebrating a wondrous day. (Photo by Sue Vliet)
The Greater Milwaukee Urban League was out celebrating the community. (Photo by Sue Vliet)
The Black Judicial Court Officials do a lot at the courts – and to help the community celebrate Juneteenth. (Photo by Sue Vliet)
The Girl Scouts – a big part of the community. (Photo by Sue Vliet)
These youth came to entertain. (Photo by Sue Vliet)
Hot 105.7 came out to help the community celebrate. (Photo by Sue Vliet)
Car or motorcycle? You decide. Having fun on three wheels in any case. (Photo by Sue Vliet)
Vehicles were very much part of the celebration. (Photo by Sue Vliet)
The parade drew a great number of participants. (Photo by Sue Vliet)
Not on its way to or from school today. (Photo by Sue Vliet)
Many agencies aiding the community took the opportunity to remind Milwaukeeans that they are here to help. (Photo by Sue Vliet)
Vrrooom if you came out to celebrate the community. (Photo by Sue Vliet)
These vehicles wait for the parade to start anew. (Photo by Sue Vliet)
Members of the drum line Milwaukee Hittaz: Drum Corp keep the beat going. (Photo by Devin Blake)
An arch of balloons festoons a vehicle promoting Black Arts MKE, an organization that promotes African American arts and culture. (Photo by Devin Blake)
Metsina Pitts, 38, and his son, Kingston, 6, watch the fun and festivities the parade has to offer. (Photo by Devin Blake)
Bobby West, 86, enjoys the parade from the comfort of a foldable chair. (Photo by Devin Blake)
Lars Kvam holds a sign for his union the International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America, more commonly known as United Auto Workers, or UAW. Other members of Kvam's local, UAW Local 469, marched in the parade. (Photo by Devin Blake)
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Juneteenth brings out Milwaukeeans to commemorate freedom – and community
by Devin Blake and Sue Vliet, Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
June 27, 2023
