9th annual Acres Homes Juneteenth parade celebrates history, highlights social issues affecting Black community
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As Trey Legall danced down West Montgomery Street in Acres Properties through the ninth annual Juneteenth parade and group celebration, he did so holding up an indication calling for the abolition of the dying penalty in Texas.
Displaying indicators calling for gun management, Christopher Robinson — a member of the Black Heritage Society — marched alongside different members of his group.
Numerous social points had been among the many themes for parade individuals Saturday, as lots of lined the 1-mile stretch to catch sweet and wave on the floats.
“I simply assume it’s an important alternative for us to carry the group collectively,” Robinson stated. “Issues begin to change when group comes collectively.”
Mayor Sylvester Turner attended the occasion and stated Saturday’s celebration of the now federal vacation ought to be a remembrance of the previous struggles of Black individuals. This yr’s parade was the primary one because the vacation was made formally made a federal vacation final summer season and one of many many occasions deliberate round Houston this weekend.
“It’s simply good to recollect your historical past, pay tribute to it and be sure that we have a good time it in a approach that pays homage to those that sacrificed a lot,” Turner stated shortly earlier than the occasion.
Turner additionally took time throughout his trip via Acres Properties to acknowledge former Houston legislator and Civil Rights Activist Al Edwards, who helped Texas change into the primary state within the nation to make the abolition of slavery an official vacation. Edwards died in April 2020 on account of pure causes.
“This parade was began primarily due to State Rep. Al Edwards so on at the present time as we have a good time this nationwide vacation let’s give correct tribute to him.”
Legall, an activist with the Texas Demise Penalty Abolition Motion, stated that though Juneteenth is a historic Texan day of Black celebration, it is usually a day to debate points affecting the Black group — just like the prison justice system.
“I really like Juneteenth. Like, you see me dancing. I consider celebration is essential but additionally we want a way of shifting towards one thing,” he stated. “I believe that bringing points to a celebration offers us that. It offers us group as a result of what different day do we’ve?”
joel.umanzor@chron.com
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