Juneteenth celebrations begin Wednesday in Milwaukee. Since 1971, Milwaukee has celebrated this holiday with parades, local food and vendors, historical talks, panels and more (NNS file photo by Allison Dikanovic)
By Chesnie Wardell
This story was originally published by Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service, where you can find other stories reporting on fifteen city neighborhoods in Milwaukee. Visit milwaukeenns.org.
Juneteenth is an annual national holiday on June 19 celebrating the anniversary of when the last Black people enslaved in the United States learned of their emancipation in 1865.
Since 1971, Milwaukee has celebrated this holiday with parades, local food and vendors, historical talks, panels and more.
You can learn more about the history of Juneteenth.
Here’s a roundup on how to celebrate Juneteenth in Milwaukee this week.
Fondy Farmers Market: Wednesday, June 14
A Juneteenth celebration will be held at Fondy Farmers Market, 2200 W. Fond Du Lac Ave. on Wednesday, June 14 from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Food, giveaways, vendors, onsite clinics and more will be present during this free event. For more information visit https://www.facebook.com/events/1073476703249144/?paipv=0&eav=AfYmGzIPvpVFwYgQpHR576I3Js0EECwIizHCTq9aufOMvhML06WMa642pW2QizEHwwM&_rdr.
Kappa Kookout: Saturday, June 17
The Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. (the Nupes) is kicking Juneteenth weekend off with a cookout Saturday, June 17 at McGovern Park in area three, 5400 N. 51st Blvd. from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Food, games and other entertainment will be provided. For more information visit https://www.instagram.com/p/CtFsJzjvWD9/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA%3D%3D.
Juneteenth Parade and Festival: Monday, June 19
Milwaukee’s annual Juneteenth parade and festival will be Monday, June 19 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event is led by Voces de la Frontera, partnering with Service Employees International Union and Power to the Polls. It will take place at Northcott Neighborhood House on 2460 N. 6th St. For more information visit https://www.facebook.com/events/s/milwaukee-juneteenth-festival-/788054562990455/.
TRUE Skool Juneteenth cultural arts mural contest: Monday, June 19
TRUE Skool Inc. is an organization that revolves around urban arts throughout Milwaukee. The organization will be leading a Juneteenth cultural arts mural contest Monday, June 19, beginning at 9 a.m. in front of the Martin Luther King Jr. Peace Place on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive and Ring Street. Applications are past due, but community members can still come out to enjoy the interactive mural walls and support participants as they paint to win a cash prize. For more information visit https://www.facebook.com/events/s/juneteenth-arts-culture-area/958033391996806/.
Red Bike & Green-Milwaukee Juneteenth ride: Monday, June 19
Red Bike & Green Milwaukee will be in attendance Monday, June 19 at the Juneteenth parade on Martin Luther King Drive and Burleigh Avenue. You can participate with the organization by riding your bike in the parade beginning at 7:30 a.m. Kids and adults are welcomed to join this slow-paced ride.
Juneteenth Day party: Monday, June 19
Join the Paradise Social Lounge for their Juneteenth party at King Hall, 3413 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. on Monday, June 19 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Vendors, food and music will be there. For more information visit https://www.facebook.com/events/s/juneteenth-day-party/919841145800213/.
Alice’s Garden Urban Farm Juneteenth celebration: Monday, June 19
Alice’s Garden Urban Farm is an urban farm located in Milwaukee. It will have its 10th annual Juneteenth celebration June 19 at 4 p.m. at 2136 N. 21 St. A libation will be led by the executive director of the urban farm, Venice Williams; elders will be honored; and other activities will take place. For more information visit https://www.facebook.com/AlicesGarden?mibextid=LQQJ4d.