Community invited to enjoy 50th annual Juneteenth festivities

The entire community is invited to take part in the 50th annual Juneteenth Day festivities scheduled for Saturday, June 19, 2021, from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr. between W. Burleigh St. and W. Center St.

The annual Juneteenth Day Celebration in Milwaukee is the oldest known celebration commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States. Juneteenth marks African American freedom proclaimed to all enslaved people of African descent in the South by Union General Gordon Granger on June 19, 1865 in Galveston, Texas, nearly two and a half years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation by President Abraham Lincoln.

The event is free and open to the public. The kickoff parade starts at 8 a.m. from 14th and Atkinson and will travel to W. Burleigh and N. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. The official program starts at 9:30 a.m. near MLK Dr. and Burleigh St.

Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs, whose 6th Aldermanic District hosts the annual Juneteenth festivities, said attendees will be required to wear masks, which will be provided for free by volunteers. “Although Juneteenth was canceled last year because of the COVID-19 pandemic, this year the Northcott Neighborhood House is working with its health partners, namely the Milwaukee Health Department and the Milwaukee Heritage Health Center, to set safety standards as well as follow the guidelines set by Centers for Disease Control,” she said.

“We are looking forward to having a safe and enjoyable Juneteenth Day celebration this year, and I strongly encourage the community to attend and show their support,” the alderwoman said.

Because of Covid-19, this year’s Miss Juneteenth Day “Formal” Pageant was canceled – however, Northcott Neighborhood House, Inc. and Jammin’ 98.3 are still looking to crown Miss Juneteenth and Little Miss Juneteenth Day 2021(along with Mister Juneteenth and Mister Juneteenth Day Jr. 2021).

Enter your talented child below in the pageant for the chance to win up to $1,500 in prizes Juneteenth Pageant submissions deadline is Monday, May 31st –

https://jammin983.com/juneteenthpageant/

This year there are limited vendor spots (and all vendors must be approved and take part in an informational session) and specific rules for parade participation. To find out more about vendor opportunities or about becoming a parade participant, please 414-372-3770 or email ecoggs@northcotthouse.org .

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.