Thousands celebrate Juneteenth, African American Museum 50th anniversary in Philly

The African American Museum in Philadelphia was the center of celebration today on two fronts where the stars started line up. The museum marked both Juneteenth today and its 50th anniversary with Point the Block Party. Action News reporter Brianna Smith was there today and has more tonight. About 10,000 people came out to celebrate Juneteenth. As the party wraps up, organizers want everyone to walk away with a sense of hope, pride and unity. Anytime we get to publicly display this, I enjoy it. A large crowd gathered to watch Marian Anderson's Scholar Artists in Chorus at the Juneteenth Block Party in Center City. Legendary DJ Jazzy Jeff, Slick Rick and local artists also took the stage for the annual event. It's hosted by the African American Museum and Wawa Welcome America. We are thinking about liberation. We are thinking about celebration. We are thinking about collective citizenship, the union amongst people. When I get a chance to celebrate us, trust me, I enjoy every moment of it. The party on Arch Street also had rows of vendors. Many of them are black owned businesses including Uncle Bobby's Coffee and Books. One of the things critical to Juneteenth is telling the story of Juneteenth and Books is a wonderful way to do that. Food trucks also lined the street with several people waiting for Gigi and Big R's soul food. We had whitey fish with mac and cheese and collard greens and it was so good. Organizers are also recognizing the museum's 50th anniversary with free admission. We want people to learn. We want people to build community amongst each other. Governor Josh Shapiro echoes that sentiment. He also says it's important to preserve history, including the slavery panels at the President's House in the city. A recent ruling allows the Trump administration to replace the exhibit. I am not going to back down in the face of these attacks coming from the federal government against understanding our freedom, even the painful parts of it. They may be able to try and whitewash our history, but they will never, ever, ever take away our values here in Philadelphia and in Pennsylvania. And organizers say celebrations continue until July 4th. Juneteenth kicked off the Wawa Welcome America Festival. In Center City, Brianna Smith, Channel 6 Action News.