Davon Ferguson, the 2021 Ms. Juneteenth Queen, reminisced about her childhood when Juneteenth celebrations centered around family gatherings.

The tradition has evolved today, with the entire city coming together for citywide festivities marking the day in 1865 when the last enslaved people in the United States learned they were free. 

“We never want to forget our history, and that’s a part of us; no matter what skin color you are, it still is a part of our history,” Ferguson said.

In Tyler, unity could be seen across the city as about 4,000 community members gathered Saturday to celebrate the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in Texas with parades, music, food and vendors. The event promoted togetherness and celebrated shared heritage.

The Juneteenth celebration in Tyler is organized by the Juneteenth Association, led by President Loretta Butler. The festivities span multiple days and offer a range of events and activities.

“It’s like a family reunion for us,” said Phyllis Roberts, RealEdge Real Estate and National Association of Real Estate Brokers representative.

Juneteenth commemorates the abolition of slavery in Texas in June 1865 and the emancipation of enslaved African Americans throughout the Confederate South. It marks the day when federal troops arrived in Galveston in 1865, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation, to enforce the freedom of enslaved people.

“We want to bring all cultures together to celebrate this holiday because it takes all of us. It’s not just one, it’s a holiday for everyone,” Butler said. “We like to make sure we try to mix everyone.”

Juneteenth is celebrated on June 19 and is recognized as a state holiday in most states. It became recognized as a federal holiday on June 17, 2021.

The two-hour parade featured many participants, including first responders, law enforcement officers, elected officials, businesses, and various organizations. The procession showcased various vehicles, such as classic cars, motorcycles, horses, four-wheelers, utility vehicles, and floats adorned in vibrant red, yellow, and green decorations.

“They know how to come together, plan an event and do great things,” Tyler native Darlene Roi said. “We’re back in my era. We didn’t celebrate Juneteenth, so I think this is fantastic. I just wish they’d had it back then.”

Rosie Johnson, a member of the association for 35 years, noted that the first event was held in the 1970s and has since grown tenfold. It’s a great opportunity to educate people on everything the Juneteenth Association of Tyler does, from its events to its scholarship program.

“It has grown a lot. I mean a lot. More people are getting involved, and more organizations are needed,” Johnson said. “People come in from all over the United States…to participate in this parade.”

Butler explained that funds raised from parade entries support scholarship programs, advertising, event upkeep, permits and insurance. She added that any high school senior can apply for the scholarships.

“The community donates to us, and we give it back to them,” Johnson said.

Dallas residents Antonio Mauldin and his wife, Jasmine, came to celebrate Juneteenth in Tyler. The couple brought their children to visit family and honor his cousin, Freeway Ricky Ross, whose journey from renowned drug lord to author is making headlines.

Tyler Mayor Don Warren signed a proclamation declaring June 13 as “Freeway Ricky Ross Day.” Ross was also given the city’s key.

“We were once slaves, but we’re free today,” Antonio said. “It provides us an opportunity to all come together and honor how far we’ve come and yet still understand that we have much more to go.”

The East Texas Elite Roses, a majorette-style dance team, showcased their talents in the parade. Coaches and co-founders Ronnie Alford and Kia Whaley expressed their pride in participating, highlighting the opportunity to gain exposure and recruit new dancers for the team.

Alford and Whaley, who have participated in the parade since their youth, see returning as business owners as a full-circle moment. Through their involvement in the event, they aim to inspire the next generation of Black and Brown youth.

“We’re glad to see it blow up, but it’s like we know where we came from. We know where we started,” Whaley said. “This will always be the heart of Juneteenth for us.”