Photos: Central Texans Celebrate Juneteenth

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Central Texans celebrate June 10th this weekend with parades, speeches, food, live music and more. It was the first time Juneteenth was recognized as a federal holiday.

The day commemorates the end of slavery in the USA. Its origins date back to June 19, 1865, the day slaves in Texas learned they were free – more than two years after President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.

Members of Montopolis Proud gather for a photo with the new Burditt Prairie Cemetery historical marker during the unveiling ceremony in Montopolis.

Michael Minasi / KUT

Parishioners gather on Friday to celebrate June 10th with the unveiling of a historic marker in Burditt Prairie Cemetery in Montopolis. The cemetery is the resting place for dozens of former slaves, emancipated African Americans, and their descendants.

Tonell Thomas chants as protesters walk from Hutto Middle School to Hutto City Hall on Saturday for June 15.

Michael Minasi / KUT

Tonell Thomas sings as about 100 protesters make their way from Hutto Middle School to Hutto City Hall for the Juniteenth on Saturday.

Left to Right: Sahriah Rogers and Kyndal and Halee Griffin marching in Hutto.

Michael Minasi / KUT

Sahriah Rogers (left) and Kyndal and Halee Griffin march in Hutto.

The Juneteenth Parade in Central Texas in East Austin, TX on June 19, 2021. Gabriel C. Pérez / KUT News

Gabriel C. Pérez / KUT News

People ride a truck in a truck as part of the Juneteenth Parade in Central Texas in east Austin on Saturday.

The Juneteenth Parade in Central Texas in East Austin, TX on June 19, 2021. Gabriel C. Pérez / KUT News

Gabriel C. Pérez / KUT News

Young people surround an armadillo float in the Central Texas Juniteenth Parade.

Lenny Lott rides in the Central Texas Juneteenth Parade in East Austin, TX on June 19, 2021.  Gabriel C. Pérez / KUT News

Gabriel C. Pérez / KUT News

Lenny Lott drives in the Juneteenth Parade in central Texas.

The Juneteenth Parade in Central Texas in East Austin, TX on June 19, 2021. Gabriel C. Pérez / KUT News

Gabriel C. Pérez / KUT News

A marching band performs in the Central Texas Juneteenth Parade.

The Juneteenth Parade in Central Texas in East Austin, TX on June 19, 2021. Gabriel C. Pérez / KUT News

Gabriel C. Pérez / KUT

The band travels down Chicon Street.

The Juneteenth Parade in Central Texas in East Austin, TX on June 19, 2021. Gabriel C. Pérez / KUT News

Gabriel C. Pérez / KUT News

Cars drive through East Austin as part of the Central Texas Juneteenth Parade.

The Juneteenth Parade in Central Texas in East Austin, TX on June 19, 2021. Gabriel C. Pérez / KUT News

Gabriel C. Pérez / KUT

People watch the parade roll down Chicon Street.

The Juneteenth Parade in Central Texas in East Austin, TX on June 19, 2021. Gabriel C. Pérez / KUT News

Gabriel C. Pérez / KUT News

A boat goes through the parade.

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