It’s a living legacy – one celebrating freedom and Black joy, triumphing over darkness and marching toward the future with hope. Short for June 19, Juneteenth honors the day federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to enforce the end of slavery in 1865, two and a half years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation.
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Harambee-based nonprofit Northcott Neighborhood House – a community center with job trainings, educational resources and a food pantry – is credited with bringing the celebration to Milwaukee 55 years ago. Over the years, the festival expanded with a pageant, gala fundraiser, a summer concert series, and, as of last year, a partnership with Summerfest…