Madison leaders and community members raise the Juneteenth flag

Madison leaders and community members gathered in downtown Madison to raise the Juneteenth flag.

This is the city’s 33rd annual celebration of Juneteenth. In comparison, Juneteenth only became a federal holiday last year.

The holiday commemorates the emancipation of enslaved Black Americans and celebrates African-American culture.

WORT Reporter Madoline Plattenberg spoke with several of the leaders attending the celebration on why Juneteenth and Black American culture is important.

Photo courtesy / Madoline Plattenberg/WORT News Department