Quincy Juneteenth Festival held at Washington Park

QUINCY (WGEM) – Quincy residents gathered at Washington Park Saturday afternoon to celebrate Juneteenth.

The festival was opened by a parade with Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club and featured guest speakers and musicians that celebrated the importance of Juneteenth.

For kids, there were bounce houses and a petting zoo

For many, its more than just a celebration.

“Today means a lot. Today signifies justice and adds up to equality that we are moving forward on something in America. It’s going to take a little more work, but we are getting there, and celebrations like this puts the optics on something so important,” said Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club member Keith Kinmon.

Kinmon helps the Southwest Illinois chapter of the Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club.

The Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club itself is a social club that aims to promote a positive image among African Americans throughout America. It is named after the Buffalo Soldiers cavalry regiment.

Saturday’s festival in the park comes just before the official Juneteenth holiday on June 19.