Green Bay’s seventh annual Juneteenth celebration on June 13 will highlight the resiliency of the Black community, recognizing marginalized communities’ ongoing fight for freedom with the theme “Cold World. Brilliant People,” said Robin Scott, executive director of We All Rise: African American Resource Center.
Juneteenth commemorates the day when Union troops marched into Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865, announcing the message of Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation to the enslaved population ― which is why it’s also called “Freedom Day” or “Emancipation Day.”
The federal holiday represents much more than a single day in history, Scott said.
“It reminds us that freedom isn’t something that just was fought for or happened in 1865,” Scott said. “It’s something that communities continue to work towards every single day.”
Under an administration known for its crackdown on diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, and increased focus on immigration and deportations, members of marginalized communities are fighting barriers every day to survive, Scott said.
“We see people every single day navigating things like sexual assault, domestic violence, housing, mental health issues and disparities within education,” Scott said.
“I think that there’s an illusion that DEI is black. … DEI is is something that my people have fought for, but it certainly has first benefited women, veterans, disabled folks, LGBTQ folks. It calls to the center all of these marginalized communities and oppressed people and their unique experiences,” Scott said. “A lot of folks that are grassroots or are doing the work for the oppressed are the ones that are getting hit the hardest right now.”
We All Rise’s journey to host the seventh annual Juneteenth celebration is a prime example of difficulties similar nonprofits are facing amid “this war on diversity, equity, and inclusion,” Scott said. The event has seen drops in financial support year after year, she said. This year, the free community meal typically made to feed 1,000 will feed 500 people and for the first time, We All Rise is unable to provide vendors tables and chairs, a $3,775 expense all on its own.
As an organization focused on “the everyday survival and lives of Green Bay residents,” Scott said, it’s disheartening to have to work so hard to celebrate community.
In the face of oppression, marginalized communities continue to persevere as they have for generations, Scott said, which is exactly what Juneteenth is meant to celebrate.
“It really does continue to teach us about the importance of perseverance, hope and the responsibility that we all share in building a stronger community,” Scott said. “This is why the celebration, it just remains important. It’s not just about African Americans, but it’s literally about all of us.”
Scott hopes the June 13 event in Joannes Park will provide “an opportunity of safety for everybody;” a moment to be present, be yourself and build community.
“We want everybody from all different backgrounds and even folks that may not have been able to feel comfortable or safe elsewhere to connect with us in some capacity for Juneteenth,” Scott said.
When and where is Juneteenth 2026 in Green Bay?
Green Bay’s 2026 Juneteenth celebration will kick off with the Juneteenth Parade at 11:30 a.m. June 13. The parade will begin at the We All Rise: African American Resource Center, 430 S. Webster Ave., and land in Joannes Park, 215 S. Baird St., around noon.
Scott said the parade is one of her favorite parts of the celebration since it was introduced three years ago. “We get to give out candy, get to be in the community,” she said. “It’s a semblance of breaking bread with our neighbors. And that’s really important.”
Parade lineup begins at 10:30 a.m. at the resource center. You can register to participate here.
From noon to approximately 7 p.m., Joannes Park will be filled with music, food, vendors, activities and, most importantly, community members.
A hula hoop celebration and community karaoke
The day of activities will start at noon with welcome remarks and a reflection on the significance of the holiday. From 12:30 to 5:30 p.m., local and regional artists, musicians, spoken word performer and dancers will take the stage.
Local vendors, community resource tables, family activities, food, youth engagement opportunities and cultural demonstrations will be in the park from noon to 7 p.m. Scott said you can expect to see African dance and drumming, a mobile clinic from the New Community Shelter, a breastfeeding tent and opportunities to interact with and tour police and firefighter vehicles.
The annual community hula hoop celebration will take place from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. After that, the event will close with its first-ever community karaoke session.
You can learn more about Juneteenth 2026, including how to sign up as a vendor, sponsor or volunteer, at weallriseaarc.org.
Vivian Barrett is the public safety reporter for the Green Bay Press-Gazette. You can reach her at vmbarrett@usatodayco.com or (920) 431-8314.
This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: Green Bay’s Juneteenth celebration highlights resilience, community
Reporting by Vivian Barrett, Green Bay Press-Gazette / Green Bay Press-Gazette
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Vivian Barrett, Green Bay Press-Gazette | USA TODAY Network
