BUFFALO, N.Y. — Juneteenth celebrations across the nation have begun. They mark when the last enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, were told about their freedom, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed.
“Juneteenth is just a reminder that when there was progress being made for others within America, it hasn’t always been that for everybody,” explained Shola Clark, a board member for the Juneteenth Festival. “That’s still the case to this day.”
Fifty years ago, America was marking its 200th anniversary, but it didn’t feel like a celebration for everyone.
Buffalo launched the parade and festival – now one of the biggest in the nation – to find that joy.
“Our history is rooted deeply, not just in our struggle, but also in our accomplishments,” Clark said. “We celebrate all of that this weekend.”
It’s a 50-year tradition for many on the planning, marching, and viewing sides.
“I had two little babies then. Brought them. It was nice,” recalled parade-goer Mary Smiley. “It’s always been exciting, nice. But I got to say, though, the first one I think that was the best.”
“Every year, me and my family, we don’t miss it,” added Tony, another parade-goer who came back home for the festivities from South Carolina. “I love to see our Black people get together for a good cause and have fun to celebrate each other. It’s a great thing to me.”
With no shortage of fun, it’s also about making sure the next generation knows where they come from.
“What was your favorite part?” asked Spectrum News 1 of one of the marchers.
“The music and the cars,” responded Quanique Marble, 8.
“[It’s about] unity and being connected, staying connected… a sisterhood, because that’s what Away Out is,” said Trinisha Brown, the founder of Away Out Queens in Training. “I take them to events like this. We meet every Saturday. We go, we talk about confidence, self-awareness, being aware of who they are.”
“We help them to understand what Juneteenth is about. Because that’s the same resilience that they’ll need to have coming as the new leaders, and to lead this to the next 50 years,” added Clark.
The location of this annual parade is not lost on organizers.
“If anybody’s familiar with the East Side of Buffalo, you’re very familiar with the underserved community on this side of town,” said Clark. “Bringing the Black excellence, showing our community our entrepreneurial skills, showing our community the unity, showing them the celebration… It’s really important that we continue celebrating Juneteenth in Buffalo.”
There is still work to be done.
“I overall think that we made great strides and I think we’ll get there one day,” said Tony.
For today, it’s a celebration.
“It’s truly a joy. It really is,” said Clark. “Special. Very special.”