Milwaukee celebrated its 53rd annual Juneteenth Day Jubilee Parade on June 19, marking the day with vibrant displays of cultural pride.
The neighborhood event, one of the largest and longest-running Juneteenth celebrations in the country, drew thousands of attendees to the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive area of Milwaukee’s north side.
The Jubilee Parade, named after Jubilee Day – one of the early names for Juneteenth, featured a diverse assembly of participants, including elected officials, local sports teams, and community organizations, to showcase their spirit of unity for African American heritage.
Juneteenth marks the day in 1865 when Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to announce the end of slavery, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed.
Despite the sweltering heat, massive crowds enjoyed live music, dance performances, art displays, and a vast variety of food. Local Black-owned businesses were also positioned along the parade route, immersed in the festivities with holiday-related gifts.
Many community outreach booths could be found at the end of the parade route, providing information about social services for the community.
This collection of images features highlights from the day of celebration and public enthusiasm in Milwaukee for its 2024 Juneteenth.
© Photo
Lee Matz
