During today’s meeting of the Community and Economic Development Committee, the committee recommended approval of file #200272 – a resolution designating Juneteenth Day as an annual official City of Milwaukee event. The file was sponsored by Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs and co-sponsored by Alderman Khalif J. Rainey, Alderman Russell W. Stamper, II, Alderwoman Nikiya Dodd, Alderman Ashanti Hamilton, Alderwoman Chantia Lewis, Alderwoman JoCasta Zamarripa, and Alderman José G. Pérez.
“Juneteenth means so much to our nation, and in particular our community here in Milwaukee that is home to one of the longest running Juneteenth Day celebrations in the country,” said Alderwoman Coggs. “It is a long time coming that we make Juneteenth an official city event, and I look forward to this year’s celebrations and supporting the annual festivities for years to come.”
The annual Juneteenth Day Celebration is a nationwide event commemorating the day when the last enslaved people of African descent in the South received word of their freedom from Union General Gordon Granger on June 19, 1865 in Galveston, Texas, nearly two and a half years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation.
2022 will mark the 51st Juneteenth celebration in Milwaukee led by Northcott Neighborhood House. This year’s theme is “A Tribute to Dads…Father, Teacher, Protector & Hero.” The day will include the Juneteenth Parade kicking off at 9 a.m., the street festival occurring from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., and community concert beginning at 6 p.m. Additional information can be found by visiting www.juneteenthmke.org.
