The event featured the Marian Anderson Scholar Artists and Chorus, prompting applause from spectators.
"I think it's beautiful," said Farugh Maat of North Philadelphia. "Anytime we get to publicly display this, I enjoy it."
Legendary performers DJ Jazzy Jeff and Slick Rick joined local artists onstage for the annual celebration, hosted by the African American Museum in Philadelphia and Wawa Welcome America.
Program coordinator Morgan Lloyd said the day centered on "liberation," "celebration," and "collective citizenship," adding that the event highlights "the union amongst peoples."
For many, the gathering was a chance to honor Black culture.
"When I get a chance to celebrate us, trust me, I enjoy every moment of it," said Teri Schley of Burlington.
Rows of vendors lined the street, including several Black-owned businesses such as Uncle Bobbie's Coffee and Books.
Bookseller Frank Jackson said literature plays a key role in understanding the holiday.
"One of the things critical to Juneteenth is telling the story of Juneteenth, and books is a wonderful way to do that," he said.
Food trucks also drew long lines, with many waiting for GiGi and Big R's Soul Food.
This year's block party also marked the African American Museum's 50th anniversary, with free admission drawing a line that wrapped around the building.
"We want people to learn. We want people to build community amongst each other," Lloyd said.
Attendees reflected on the meaning of the day.
"Love, pride, identity, dignity, because those things - that's what moves us forward," Maat said.
Gov. Josh Shapiro echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the importance of preserving historical truth, including the slavery panels at the President's House site.
A recent ruling allows the Trump administration to replace the exhibit.
"I'm not going to back down in the face of these attacks coming from the federal government against understanding our freedom, even the painful parts of it," Shapiro said. "They may be able to try to whitewash our history, but they will never ever ever take away our values here in Philadelphia and Pennsylvania."
The Juneteenth Block Party kicks off the Wawa Welcome America festival, which will feature 15 days of events leading up to July 4 and the nation's 250th birthday.