ATLANTA — Atlanta hosted its 12th annual Juneteenth parade on Saturday in the heart of Piedmont Park.
It's part of the annual Juneteenth Atlanta Parade and Music Festival, which lasts a weekend. Vendors, artwork, music, and more line the walkways, along with residents celebrating freedom. One festival-goer had a specific mission.
“Imma get me a turkey leg from somewhere," Johnna Chance said.
One vendor, who can't offer turkey legs, said she believes the event is not just an opportunity for entrepreneurs but a prime opportunity to build bridges.
“You have some many things to be able to enjoy here today as well as a wide array of things to eat and drink and just be able to enjoy each other," said Nicole Finklea, who's selling specialty iced teas and lemonades for the first time.
Another vendor selling clothes geared towards Black Sororities and Fraternities said the festival is just a step in the right direction, but more needs to be done to heal old societal wounds.
“We still don’t have peace," Aisha Walker said. "We are still taking this one day at a time as far as I’m concerned because I think we’re going backward instead of moving forward."
Chance said she's enjoying seeing her culture being celebrated.
“All Black and everything," Chance said. "I love it!"