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Juneteenth celebrations kick off in Tyler with annual parade

Tyler, TX — Juneteenth is in just a few day but hundreds in East Texas celebrated early on the weekend.

It's a big day, especially in Texas, and celebrations like the annual parade in Tyler help bring many of us together - that's according to one of the events organizers, Derrick Choice.

"It brings about unity and everybody working together for this very holiday," Choice said.

It's all about celebrating freedom and the reason we celebrate today.

"On June 19, 1865, General Gordon Granger landed in Galveston, Texas to let the slaves in Texas know they were free," Choice explained.

He also explains educating people about what Juneteenth stands for is important, especially in children.
Choice remembers during his childhood - not really understanding the importance of the date June 19.

"Coming up it was red soda, watermelon, mm and dad saying, 'it's Juneteenth, we free.' I really didn't know (what it was) but I celebrated," he said.

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