In Washington, D.C., residents gathered in the predominantly Black Hillcrest neighborhood, over last Friday, for the Ward 7 Juneteenth Parade, one of several events supported by sponsors including Opal’s Walk for Freedom.
Juneteenth commemorates the day enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas learned they were free. Dr. Opal Lee advocated for decades, and Juneteenth was declared a federal holiday in 2021. Communities across the country have since then embraced the celebration.
Ward 7 Councilmember Janeese Lewis George addressed the crowd, reminding attendees that “nobody’s free until everybody’s free.”
Families lined the streets, children danced, flags were waved and neighbors embraced in remembrance of freedom and community. Organizers and community leaders said events like these are about more than celebration, they are about building a stronger District and ensuring future generations understand the significance of Black history, freedom and equality.
Together, the parade and support from Opal’s Walk for Freedom reflected the resilience, culture and unity that continue to define the community.
