San Francisco celebrates Black freedom at weekend Juneteenth parade: ‘We’re all people’

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) — Under bright blue skies, large crowds gathered Saturday to celebrate Juneteenth in San Francisco, dancing, cheering and waving flags in a day of joy marking the end of slavery in the United States.

The holiday commemorates June 19, 1865, when Union troops arrived in Texas and announced that enslaved Black people were free — more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Some view Juneteenth as America’s second Independence Day.

“I think for the greater community to see that Juneteenth is a national holiday and that we represent it, everyone can understand what it means to African American people, what it means the day we were freed from slavery,” said Tamara Walker, an event coordinator.

Now recognized as a federal holiday for the past five years, Juneteenth also represents a broader pursuit of justice.

“I had the pride and honor of voting for this Juneteenth holiday in Congress,” said Rep. Nancy Pelosi, speaker emerita.

MORE: What is Juneteenth and why is it celebrated? What to know for 2026

Festivities included a parade and performances, with participants celebrating community and culture.

Rev. Ishmael Burch of Glide Memorial Church said he has marked the occasion for decades.

“Juneteenth, I’ve been doing it for 35 years: the parade and the festivals. We need Juneteenth. It’s growing in Oakland, Richmond, San Jose — all around,” Burch said.

Organizers and participants emphasized that the holiday also highlights ongoing efforts for equity and opportunity.

“Juneteenth represents us being here, us growing small businesses, us kids having access to safe places to be in the future, being able to have the same access to good schools,” Walker said.

Eighteen-year-old Mekai Smith, the parade’s grand marshal, called the day meaningful.

“It’s truly a blessing to be here. I feel part of my culture is part of Juneteenth,” Smith said.

For attendees like Emeryville resident Trey Green, the celebration was also a chance to share history across generations.

“I just explained to him yesterday what the meaning of Juneteenth is about: for me and him and how it’s a part of our history and now he gets to experience it first-hand,” Green said of his young son.

As the festivities continued, many reflected on the holiday’s importance as both a historical milestone and a moment of unity.

“We’re all people. Doesn’t matter what color we are. We all experience different things. But at the end of the day, we’re all people,” Green said.