HOLLYWOOD, Fla. – Thursday marked Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day and Emancipation Day a federal holiday marking the end of slavery in the United States.
The holiday dates back to June 19, 1865 when Union Army soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas to tell the last few enslaved people in the U.S. that they were free.
Several events marking the holiday took place in South Florida.
In Hollywood, the city held its ninth Juneteenth parade. Dancers, motorcycles and cars went down Pembroke Road.
“This is a part of American history,” said Jonathan Anderson, the parade grand marshal from Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8195. “Unfortunately, it’s a dark period, but yet, still, we’ve got to keep telling the history.”
Parade attendees also had plenty of food options amid the joyous atmosphere.
“We’re thankful to be having a day like Juneteenth, celebrating these special memories of our ancestors,” Vernon Brooks, who was in the parade, said.
Miramar also held a Juneteenth celebration outside of its city hall.
Attendees said they wanted to ensure that the moment of freedom is reflected, celebrated and understood.
“We want to make sure that everybody understands the history of Blacks, the journey to freedom and today is a day for us to recognize that journey, to celebrate our achievements,” Miramar Vice Mayor Yvette Colbourne said.
Nine-year-old Laila Sylvestre said, “We get to celebrate our culture a proper way, without people judging us, how we look and how we feel.”
Miramar’s event had plenty of food vendors, plus tents and crafts for children.
It was scheduled to go until 3:30 p.m.
