52nd annual Juneteenth parade gets ready to welcome thousands for freedom celebration

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Milwaukee's 52^nd Juneteenth celebration will take place Monday, June 19.

Juneteenth honors the freedom of slaves in America, symbolizing a brighter day.

Organizers of the parade say the day of celebration is a day for everyone.

"It's part of our culture, it’s a part of American history, and we want everyone to be a part of it," said Elizabeth Coggs, director of operations and Juneteenth at Northcott Neighborhood House.

The parade will span close to two miles, beginning at 14^th and Atkinson, and ending at Dr. MLK Jr. Drive & Locust Street.

Nearly 70,000 people are expected to come out to Milwaukee's north side to commemorate Juneteenth.

The parade will have dozens of floats and tons of entertainment.

The grand marshals for this year's parade are Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman along with Milwaukee County Sheriff Denita Ball.

Information on the Juneteenth event, as well as information for volunteers and vendors, can be found here.