Philadelphia Juneteenth Parade marches through city, representing Black history and culture
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- The City of Brotherly Love celebrated Juneteenth with a parade on Sunday!
The Philadelphia Juneteenth Parade marched through the city in celebration of Black history, heritage, and culture.
It is the largest annual celebration of Juneteenth in the nation, officials say. Thousands attended the event.
Festivities were also aired live on 6abc and everywhere you stream us from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m.
During the two-mile trek, spectators lined the streets of Philadelphia.
"I came out here to see my granddaughter perform in the parade," noted Anesshia Melvin from West Philadelphia.
"My favorite part is seeing the people come together in harmony, that's a joy, particularly with everything that's going on," added Abdulla Hjhad from North Philadelphia.
Juneteenth commemorates the day the last U.S. slaves in Galveston, Texas learned they were free back in 1865.
Now, over 150 years later, Philadelphia celebrated its fifth annual Juneteenth Parade.
"I feel like every year gets better and better; there's more people, there's more oomph when we have our performances," said Sonni King, executive director of the parade.
This year the parade was grand marshaled by Mayor Cherelle Parker.
Action News' Rick Williams and Tamala Edwards also helped to host the festivities alongside radio legend Gary Shepard.
6abc is the exclusive broadcast sponsor for the event, and this year, our float was all about honoring ancestors.
"My first year back in Philly in a long time and at 6abc. So, I had to bring it by doing something like this," said Action News Reporter Charles Watson.
Those who participated as well as those who spectated the event got to experience a lot more than just a parade.
In the end, the event became an entire festival packed with dozens of vendors showcasing art, food, and clothing.
"We are showcasing excellence -- Black excellence. People can see excellence as they march down in the community," said King.
