Chattanoogans celebrate Juneteenth with 3rd annual parade, gala

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – On June 19, 1865, slaves in Texas learned of their freedom. They were the last ones to be freed from their chains. 

Remembering their ordeal has become America’s newest holiday, Juneteenth.

Many Chattanoogans celebrated the holiday with the third annual Juneteenth Parade and Festival on Wednesday afternoon. 

The parade traveled down MLK Boulevard to Miller Park.

Multiple civic organizations participating in the third annual Chattanooga Juneteenth parade and gala on MLK Boulevard.

Civic groups and dance troupes made up the parade.

Those who participated and watched the parade say Juneteenth, in its fourth year of being a federal holiday, has a celebratory meaning as this was the day freedom became a possibility.

One attendee, Joyce Fears said, “If you’re not celebrating this day, it is time for everyone to get involved with June 19, because this is a national holiday, and we thank God for making this a national holiday for us.”

“What it means to me? It means absolutely, it’s an honor to see different generations of people to come out and support this event,” said another attendee, Leroy Norwood.

Others say this holiday is a time to break down racial lines in our community.

Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly commented, “It’s a wonderful day and a great time; it’s a tribute to Chattanooga that we get this kind of great turnout.”

“None of us are free until all of us are free, so this is a time that Americans come together and enjoy the day together,” said Democratic congressional candidate Jack Allen for U.S. District 3.

Others say outside of enjoying the holiday, this is a time to teach history.

Representative Yusuf Hakeem for Tennessee House District 28 said, “It’s that part of history that, until recently, I suppose it hasn’t been brought to the forefront as it should have been, and I think it says to the young people that we need to know who we are and where we have come from and a better view of where we are going.”

The thread between them all is the gratitude to celebrate freedom was on full display.

As one attendee named Tina put it, “It means freedom!”