Atlanta, Georgia hosted its 5th annual Juneteenth Atlanta Parade & Music Festival on June 16 and 17 to celebrate African-American history and culture.

Juneteenth is celebrated in honor of June 19, 1865, when, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed, the last slaves in the American Confederate states were freed.

For the last five years, the nonprofit organization, Juneteenth Atlanta, has been celebrating the accomplishments of African-Americans spanning over 150 years and holding events that showcase black culture and history.

"The vision has really developed into building one of the largest parades in the world that displays African American history pre- and post-slavery," said Juneteenth Atlanta Director Bob Johnson.He added, "The parade tells our stories and the contributions and the achievements that have occurred." 

The climax of the activities was the parade that took place at noontime of June 16.The festival also featured other activities such as an Afro fashion show and swimsuit review, as well as a freedom run and yoga in the park.Over 100 artists with musical styles ranging from opera to jazz and blues graced the festivities.

The Afro-American fest also opened a market full of African-American, family-owned businesses and vendors selling soaps, jewelry, and even a head wrap shop called Wrapper Delights.

Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Atlanta,_Panorama_bei_Nacht.jpg Author: Brooke Novak