MILWAUKEE — Milwaukee is getting ready for one of the biggest and longest running Juneteenth celebrations in the country.

The holiday commemorates the end of slavery in the United States.

What You Need To Know

  • Milwaukee's Juneteenth celebration began in 1972 with Northcott Neighborhood House

  • It will be a celebration of Black culture with music, food, vendors and a parade on June 19 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Dr. Martin Luther King Drive between W. Concordia Ave. and E. Center St.

  • Organizers said the upcoming celebration is not only about recognizing the end of slavery in the United States, but also showing unity

Nicole Goins is the co-chair for the upcoming Milwaukee Juneteenth celebration.

It will be a celebration of Black culture with music, food, vendors and a parade on June 19 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Dr. Martin Luther King Drive between W. Concordia Ave. and E. Center St.

Goins said this is a way to recognize African American History.

“It’s who we are as African Americans people when it comes to slavery ending in the United States. It’s a melting pot for the city of Milwaukee,” said Goins.

The Northcott Neighborhood House is a local community center. It strives to provide basic necessities to Milwaukee families.

Executive Director Tony Kearney said Juneteenth in Milwaukee began at Northcott in 1971.

“A young lady by the name of Margaret Henningsen [with Northcott] visited the south,” said Kearney. “Her grandmother told her about Juneteenth and tried to explain to her as a teenager what her history was about, so she came back and fought to have a Juneteenth celebration here in Milwaukee.”

While Northcott has kept that legacy going 53 years later, other organizations like Bader Philanthropies also sponsor the event.

Vice President of Engagement Frank Cumberbatch said Juneteenth is just as important to celebrate in Wisconsin as it is in the south where slavery was prevalent.

“We have African American people who live here,” said Cumberbatch. “How did they get here? They came here from the south. They have not forgotten the trials and tribulations. They have not forgotten what got them here.”

Goins said she hopes celebrating Juneteenth this way sends a message.

“Unity, we need more of that when it comes to our community to show that we are strong,” said Goins. “We are free. We are able to come together in a peaceful and safe manner and break the narratives of what the expectation is when it comes to our culture.”

She also invited everyone, regardless of race or ethnicity, to come out and celebrate Juneteenth.

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