“Opening ceremonies for the 55th Annual Juneteenth celebration took place on Friday, June 19, 2026. The Juneteenth Court, sponsors, supporters, volunteers, elected officials and members of the community joined Northcott Neighborhood House Executive Director Tony Kearney and Board Chair Ben Johnson in welcoming guests and dignitaries, with Ryan Jenkins of TMJ4 serving as master of ceremonies. Honored guests included Margaret Henningsen — recognized as the ‘mother of Juneteenth’ — and Rueben Harpole, this year’s Jubilee Parade Grand Marshal.
Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when Union troops in Galveston, Texas, announced the end of slavery in the last Confederate state; it has since evolved into a national observance celebrating African American freedom, culture and achievement.
Milwaukee’s Juneteenth celebration is one of the longest-running in the country, drawing generations of residents and visitors.
Northcott Neighborhood House is the official hosts of the Juneteenth Pageant, Freedom Ball, Jubilee Parade and Festival Celebration. The Juneteenth summer concert series kicked off on Saturday, June 20, 2026, and continues through the Labor Day weekend.”
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