WACO, Texas (KWTX) – This Saturday the Cen-Tex African American Chamber of Commerce will be having their annual Juneteenth parade in Waco, something they’ve been doing for over 20 years.

Juneteenth is about celebrating the emancipation of slaves here in Texas and across the country, but also about remembering history here locally.
Elm Avenue is an important part of African American history in Waco; however, most people don’t realize its historical significance.
Dr. Peaches Henry, President of the Waco NAACP, explained that “Elm Avenue is a gateway into what was the largely African American community at the time and that part of Waco thrived.”
The Cen-Tex African American Chamber of Commerce’s Juneteenth parade is partly in celebration, but also to remember and honor their history in Waco.
This year their president, John Bible, says they’re expecting a record number of participants.
“I remember parades being maybe 200 participants, and now we’re having over a thousand participating in this year’s Juneteenth parade,” Bible said.
Sadly, last year they were unable to take the parade down Elm Avenue because of a $12 million reconstruction project.
But now the road is open and thriving, meaning they get to include it in their parade this year.
Henry shared that, “access to Elm Avenue is an exciting prospect this coming weekend and I hope that everyone will take part and learn some more about Waco’s history.”
Everyone involved is looking forward to having a revitalized Elm Avenue in their Juneteenth parade this year and to share its historical significance.
“It gives us an opportunity to bring together the history of Juneteenth as well as the history of Elm Avenue,” Henry said.
Bible expressed that, “to have that ability to come and be able to celebrate something like Juneteenth and the purpose and meaning of that, walking down a historic corridor like Elm is not only significant, but it’s beautiful to be able to be a part of.”
The parade starts at 10 a.m. at heritage square and will end on Elm Avenue at the site of the historic Paul Quinn College campus, which is the oldest black college in Texas.
After the parade there will be a community celebration with plenty to see and learn so be sure to go and check it out.

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