Atlanta's Juneteenth Parade Is Canceled But There Are Still Ways To Celebrate This Weekend

Protests, marches, speaking out against police brutality, and support for the Black Lives Matter movement have been making waves across the country since May. The action will be continuing through this weekend as many celebrate June 19, otherwise known as Juneteenth. Atlanta Juneteenth events will happen all weekend in place of the big parade that was canceled due to COVID-19.

Folks can look forward to the parade being rescheduled for sometime in August and can still celebrate this holiday through the weekend with various events put on by Juneteenth Atlanta.

"The celebration of Juneteenth is important because the transatlantic slave kidnapping was the biggest deportation and enslavement of a people in history and a determining factor in the world economy starting from the 16th-to-the-20th century," Juneteenth Atlanta's website reads. 

The organization has put out an updated weekend schedule within the last 24 hours that's packed with events.

Today, Friday, June 19 at 6 p.m., there'll be a Take Back The Power rally and concert at 8 Arm on Ponce De Leon Avenue. This morning at 11 a.m., the group held a march at the Martin Luther King Center.

Saturday and Sunday will see block parties at 1003 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd. in Atlanta to wrap up the weekend. Each day will start at noon, celebrating black history with music and live art.

These events are free to attend, too. If you don't have any Father's Day weekend plans, this could be something to add to your agenda.

"Every American should commemorate Juneteenth to give thanks and appreciation to those who suffered and survived the worst conditions and atrocities ever inflicted on a people in history." reads Juneteenth Atlanta's website.

If you can't attend the events, the website has provided a donation section if you feel led to contribute to the cause.

You can donate using a debit or credit card, or by purchasing a Juneteeth car flag, magazine, or t-shirt to show off your support.

Anyone and everyone wanting to celebrate is welcomed at these events. Juneteenth Atlanta's Instagram will be posting daily updates with what's going on each day and where they'll be located.

Georgia is just one of many states that recognizes Juneteenth and was the 37th state to do so in 2011. Today, 47 of the 50 states recognize the day as a state holiday.