On June 14, Harlem hosted the 32nd annual Juneteenth parade and street festival, marking a significant celebration of African American history. Despite the rainy weather, the event featured floats, local leaders, and food vendors. Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when enslaved individuals in Texas learned of their freedom. While the federal government recognized this holiday in 2021, Harlem has celebrated it since 1993, making it New York's longest-running Juneteenth parade. Imam Izak-El Pasha emphasized the importance of dignity and celebrating the depth of African American culture.
This year's parade began at noon on June 14, stepping off at 116th Street and Malcolm X Boulevard. Over a dozen decorated floats traveled to Frederick Douglass Boulevard, up to 125th Street, and looped back toward the starting point.
According to Pasha, the idea began with the former leader of the Nation of Islam, Imam Wallace D. Muhammad, who encouraged the community to get involved in celebrating the excellence of the African American community.
To have respect for the dignity of human beings and to celebrate contemporary struggles while remembering historical injustices is the essence of Juneteenth.
Although the federal government only recognized Juneteenth in 2021, Harlem's annual Juneteenth parade began in 1993 and has since become the longest-running parade in New York, commemorating this holiday for more than three decades.
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