By Mike Aldax and Mike Kinney
Community members came out in droves Saturday for yet another colorful Juneteenth Parade and Festival in Richmond.
The annual community festival, presented by the Neighborhood Block Association, Chevron Richmond and City of Richmond, began with a parade at 10 a.m. at Booker T. Anderson at 960 Carlson Blvd. and made its way along Richmond city streets until it ended in Nichol Park, where a free festival featured two entertainment stages, one with local youth talent, delicious soul food and tons of family-friendly activities, including a kids zone.
The celebration commemorates June 19, 1865, the day that Union soldiers landed in Galveston, Texas, with news that the Civil War had ended and slavery was abolished.
In Richmond, it’s been celebrated annually for nearly two decades in order to celebrate local African American contributions and culture and to bring the community together. This year’s festival was held in the memory of Duane Chapman, a highly respected community advocate died last year after a long illness. The parade’s Grand Marshal was Mel Davis, a longtime community advocate and parade organizer who we profiled here.
Did you miss it? No worries. We have video and over 60 photos from the fun event.
