MILWAUKEE — Community members came together Wednesday morning in Milwaukee in honor of Juneteenth, a federal holiday which marks the day the last remaining slaves in the U.S. learned that they’d been freed.
(Spectrum News 1/Seth Wasserman)
The festivities kicked off with the 53rd Annual Juneteenth Parade followed by a street festival. The theme this year was “Our History, Our Culture, Our Village.”
Cardell Woods said he couldn’t miss the parade. It’s a tradition.
“I’m loving this,” said Woods. “I wouldn’t miss it for the world. I love all the people. I can’t get enough of it.”
The festival included music, history, food and more. Woods said his personal favorite was the turkey leg.
(Spectrum News 1/Abbey Taylor)
Remy Barnes, the co-owner of BK’s Soul Food, said she’s on a mission to keep her culture alive through food.
Barnes said she was hoping for a safe Juneteenth. Last year, violence broke out towards the end of the day.
“Especially when there’s no violence,” said Barnes. “Everything goes smooth. Everyone has fun. They go home and enjoy each other outside. You get to see people you haven’t seen in years.”
She said she loves the sense of community the celebration brings, as did local artist Breanna Triplett. Her talent was on display as she participated in a Juneteenth mural competition.
Local artist Breanna Triplett’s talent was on display as she participated in a Juneteenth mural competition. (Spectrum News 1/Abbey Taylor)
“Juneteenth means community,” said Triplett. “When anything bad happens, not necessarily bad, but anything happens in the community, they’re there to pick each other up. I think that’s what it is strengthening that bond between all of us.”
That’s the message she said she’s portraying through her painting.
“Togetherness,” said Triplett. “That’s how I see it.”
(Spectrum News 1/Seth Wasserman)
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