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Austin Celebrates End Of Slavery In Texas With Juneteenth Parade

Jorge Sanhueza-Lyon
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KUT
Tariah Horton and the J's Diamonds dance troupe perform during the Juneteenth parade in East Austin on Saturday.

The city celebrated the end of slavery in Texas with its annual Juneteenth parade in East Austin on Saturday.

Also known as "Freedom Day," Juneteenth marks the date – June 19, 1865 – when a Union general delivered the news that slaves in Texas were free – two and a half years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation.

Juneteenth celebrations started as a Texas tradition, but have since spread nationwide.

Credit Jorge Sanhueza-Lyon / KUT
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KUT
Noah Prophet performs with the Greater Houston All Star Band.
Credit Jorge Sanhueza-Lyon / KUT
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KUT
District 1 City Council Member Ora Houston waves to spectators.
Credit Jorge Sanhueza-Lyon / KUT
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KUT
Miss Juneteenth and her court wave to the crowd.
Credit Jorge Sanhueza-Lyon / KUT
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KUT
Spectators at the corner of 12th and Chicon watch as the parade goes by. The quote on the wall pays homage to the neighborhood's black community. Store owners sparked anger last month after painting over a mural depicting famous black musicians and others that was there.
Credit Jorge Sanhueza-Lyon / KUT
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KUT
District 3 City Council Member Sabino Renteria waves to the crowd.
Credit Jorge Sanhueza-Lyon / KUT
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KUT
Aneycia Dodson, Ashanti Bowles and Maniya Cruz of the EMMA (Educate, Motivate, Minorities, Achieve) Austin Lady Royals.
Credit Jorge Sanhueza-Lyon / KUT
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KUT
Austin Mayor Steve Adler shakes hands with spectators along the route.

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