MADISON, WI – The issued the following statement regarding Juneteenth Day 2019, a day of celebration and empowerment for African American communities around the world.
“This year, we celebrate the 48th annual Northcott Neighborhood House Juneteenth Day Parade and Festival. Juneteenth Day is the oldest celebration commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States and Milwaukee is home to one of the largest celebrations in the world. This event dates back to June 19th, 1865, when Union soldiers landed at Galveston, Texas with the news that the war had ended and that the enslaved were now free.
“In Milwaukee, Juneteenth Day celebrations will take place on Wednesday, June 19th, 2019 and include several fun and educational activities. The celebration starts with a large parade at 9:00am down North 19th and West Atkinson Avenue towards Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, followed by a festival with speeches from various community leaders. The Juneteenth and Miss Juneteenth Pageants also honor participants’ academic achievements, individual talents, and positive community outreach.
“Northcott House Executive Director, McArthur Weddle, and Program Director, Adriane Griffin, will serve as the 2019 Grand Marshals of the Juneteenth Parade. These individuals have led the Juneteenth festivities for decades and Milwaukee continues to be a model for other celebrations around the globe.
“Juneteenth is a day to celebrate African American freedom and achievement, encourage continuous self-development and respect for all cultures, and reflect on the history of slavery and the lives lost in the fight for equal rights.”
