Milwaukee's Juneteenth Day honorees named ahead of celebration

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Milwaukee's Juneteenth celebration is less than a week away, and before the big celebration, Northcott Neighborhood House is honoring a group of people who have played a key role in keeping the tradition alive.

Those special people recognized by Northcott were introduced Tuesday. 

Juneteenth organizers say they started naming special honorees about three years ago. 

The executive director of Northcott Neighborhood House, and president of Juneteenth Milwaukee, says it's important to recognize people who are making an impact in the community and those who keep the Juneteenth celebrations alive. 

Young volunteers say they understand the importance of honoring Juneteenth. 

"As youth, we don't understand the things that go on and how hard our ancestors worked to get to where we are today," said Breasia Grant, youth volunteer. "And we need to be able to just recognize the things that we do every day and how important they are."

Juneteenth Day celebrates the end of slavery in America. 

Milwaukee's Juneteenth parade, Monday at 9 a.m., kicks off a day of special events.