
Celebrating freedom at Milwaukee's Juneteenth
Clip: Season 12 Episode 6 | 2m 1sVideo has Closed Captions
Angela explores one of the nation's oldest and most-attended celebrations of emancipation.
Angela explores Milwaukee's Juneteenth celebration hosted by Northcott Neighborhood House, one of the nation's longest-running celebrations commemorating the liberation of enslaved people. She meets longtime residents to discuss the historical significance of Juneteenth and the vibrant community spirit that drives this annual gathering.
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Wisconsin Life is a local public television program presented by PBS Wisconsin
Funding for Wisconsin Life is provided by the Wooden Nickel Fund, Mary and Lowell Peterson, A.C.V. and Mary Elston Family, Stanley J. Cottrill Fund, UW Health, donors to the Focus Fund for Wisconsin Programs, and Friends of PBS Wisconsin.

Celebrating freedom at Milwaukee's Juneteenth
Clip: Season 12 Episode 6 | 2m 1sVideo has Closed Captions
Angela explores Milwaukee's Juneteenth celebration hosted by Northcott Neighborhood House, one of the nation's longest-running celebrations commemorating the liberation of enslaved people. She meets longtime residents to discuss the historical significance of Juneteenth and the vibrant community spirit that drives this annual gathering.
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
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Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorship- I'm finding my groove at Juneteenth in Milwaukee with the Northcott Neighborhood House, diving into the action from lively music to local flavors.
[groovy music] While exploring, I met up with Reginald Jones, who shares a backyard with the festival.
- Reginald Jones: Back in the mid-1950s, my parents bought a house about 300 yards from where we're standing.
- Oh, wow.
- So I'm literally at home.
Well, what's important about this is we'll find that research does justice to history.
And Juneteenth Day specifically commemorates the end of chattel slavery in the United States.
We do know the Emancipation Proclamation was signed in 1863, but unfortunately, the men and women who were still held in bondage in Galveston, Texas, had no clue that system had ended.
[cheers and applause] As you can all see, the streets is teeming with people.
I'm glad they made it down.
And what's unique about the Milwaukee Juneteenth celebration, it is one of the longest-running and largest celebrations in the entire nation.
- Angela: A celebration that's been welcoming folks of all ages to come together.
Including longtime attendee Rosalind Baker.
What was it like when it was first starting?
- It was nice.
Well, we thought it was wonderful.
'Cause you know, it was some packed, but nothing like this.
When I came back from North Carolina last year and I saw this, I said, "My God!
[Angela chuckles] "This is so wonderful!
It's beautiful!"
And this is where I sit when I come so I can see everybody go past.
[groovy music] - Angela: From shopping to games to delicious food, it's all happening at Milwaukee's Juneteenth celebration.
[applause] [indistinct conversation]
Preview: Juneteenth in Milwaukee
Preview: S12 Ep6 | 30s | Celebrate Juneteenth in Milwaukee with food, community and fun at this historic festival. (30s)
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Wisconsin Life is a local public television program presented by PBS Wisconsin
Funding for Wisconsin Life is provided by the Wooden Nickel Fund, Mary and Lowell Peterson, A.C.V. and Mary Elston Family, Stanley J. Cottrill Fund, UW Health, donors to the Focus Fund for Wisconsin Programs, and Friends of PBS Wisconsin.




