PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — The City of Brotherly Love, Philadelphia, celebrated Juneteenth with a parade on Sunday.
Philadelphia’s Juneteenth Parade marched through the city celebrating Black history, traditions and culture.
Officials said it was the largest annual Juneteenth celebration in the country and was attended by thousands of people.
The celebration was also broadcast live on 6abc and streamed from 12:30 to 2 p.m.
Spectators lined the streets of Philadelphia during the two-mile march.
“I came here to see my granddaughter perform in the parade,” said Aneshia Melvin of West Philadelphia.
“What I like most is seeing people coming together in harmony. It’s a joy, especially with everything that’s going on right now,” added Abdullah Had of North Philadelphia.
Juneteenth commemorates the day in 1865 when the last American slaves in Galveston, Texas, learned they were free.
Now, more than 150 years later, Philadelphia celebrated its fifth Juneteenth Parade.
“It just seems to get better and better every year, with more participants and more exciting performances,” said Sonny King, the parade’s executive director.
This year’s parade was organized by Mayor Sherrell Parker.
Action News’ Rick Williams and Tamara Edwards also hosted the gala along with radio legend Gary Shepherd.
6abc was the exclusive broadcast sponsor of the event, and this year’s float focused on honoring ancestors.
“This is my first year back in Philadelphia after a long time and my first year here at 6abc, so I just had to do something like this and show how I feel,” Action News reporter Charles Watson said.
Participants and spectators alike experienced much more than just a parade.
Eventually, the event became a festival with dozens of vendors displaying art, food and clothing.
“We’re showcasing excellence. Black excellence. People who march in the community can see excellence,” King said.
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