ORLANDO, Fla. — Friday marks the 155th anniversary of Juneteenth -- a day commemorating the end of slavery in America.
What You Need To Know
- Juneteenth celebrations today in Orlando
- Events in downtown Orlando, including at Lake Eola Park
- Juneteenth Lake Eola Freedom Day Block Party
There were rallies and marches across Orlando and Central Florida, where thousands have spent the past few weeks protesting the killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer.
Organizers say they’re amplifying Black voices, supporting Black-owned businesses and taking a stand.
“It’s to uplift those people that have been marginalized for too long," said Miles Mulrain, organizer of the Lake Eola Freedom March. "So it’s all about us coming together, celebrating where we’re coming from, and celebrating where we’re trying to go to also.”
On June 19, 1865, word finally got to the slaves in Texas that they were free, almost two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation.
A silent demonstration took place Friday morning at Colonial Drive and John Young Parkway.
More than 100 people held signs with the names of black lives taken. Organizers say it’s a reminder of the countless lives lost to injustice and racism throughout our history.
“A silent fight against hatred. A silent fight against racism,” said organizer Tiki Byrrd.
A march at the police headquarters then took place later in the day, as well as a rally at Lake Eola in Orlando, followed by a block party on Church Street in the Parramore neighborhood.
“It's about us coming together, celebrating where we are coming from and celebrating where we are trying to go,” said organizer Miles Mulrain.
Mulrain says the events are meant to mobilize the marchers toward the cause of progress.
“Keep fighting for change, keep striving for greatness and keep making sure that we come together and make things happen," Mulrain said.
Events also took place in other parts of Central Florida Friday, including in Sanford, Tavares, Melbourne, and in Ocoee.
Brevard County celebrated the Harry T. & Harriette V. Moore Cultural Complex in Mims. Harry T. Moore and his wife Harriette were advocates for the civil rights movement.
There will be a celebration on Saturday at 3 p.m. at Riverview Park Pavilion.
Reporter Krystel Knowles contributed to this story.