Annual Juneteenth Freedom Day Parade marches through Atlanta

ATLANTA - Hundreds of community members gathered in Atlanta's historic Sweet Auburn district on Saturday morning to celebrate freedom and culture during the 12th annual Juneteenth Freedom Day Parade. The daylong celebration highlighted local artistry and entrepreneurship as marching groups and spectators filled the streets with high energy. 

Juneteenth parade fills Atlanta streets

What we know:

The annual parade kicked off in the Old Fourth Ward and traveled through the city before wrapping up near Piedmont Park. Organizers and participants noted that the festive crowd brought high spirits, music and growing community involvement to this year's route. The daylong event is designed to spotlight local artists and entrepreneurs while honoring the area's cultural legacy. 

Atlanta youth football engagement

What they're saying:

"It's exciting. We get to bring our boys out here, Georgia Elite out of McDonough, Georgia, get to show them some things outside of just football and celebrate," one parade participant said. "The anticipation is high, you know, everybody's excited, getting ready to roll the music's playing the spirits of the high". 

To keep the young kids inspired, mentors emphasize building real connections. "We try to keep them engaged. We're always around them. We go to their schools, make sure their grades are on point. We make sure they're good at home. We spend a lot of time with them. Create a relationship outside of football," the participant explained. 

Historic skating crew performs

The backstory:

A staple of the local community, the Sickle Skates crew joined the parade route for their third consecutive year. The group has been skating and teaching classes at Stone Mountain Skate for more than 20 years. 

Members urged young people watching the celebration to step out of their comfort zones. "Try something new, don't just try something new. But always try to leave a great impression. Support your community and make sure that what you are doing will leave a greater impact, not just for yourself, but those that come after you," a skater noted. 

Evening festival details unconfirmed

What we don't know:

Organizers noted that the daytime parade celebrations are scheduled to culminate in a neighborhood festival later in the evening. However, official details regarding the specific timing, vendor locations and the full lineup of evening activities have not yet been released.