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West Akron Parade Ignites Juneteenth Spirit
20 Jun
Summary
- Thousands gathered for the 50th Annual West Akron Parade on June 20.
- The event combined the neighborhood parade with a Juneteenth celebration.
- Organizers emphasized community involvement and Juneteenth's historical significance.
The 50th Annual West Akron Parade, held on June 20, drew thousands of spectators to Copley Road. This year's event uniquely combined the traditional neighborhood parade with a Juneteenth celebration, marking it as African-American Independence Day. Participants, including Corvette owners, cheerleaders, and local businesses like Big Mike's Towing & Recovery, showcased community spirit along a new parade route.
Organizers Diana Autry and Damarios Walker expressed satisfaction with the immense community turnout and involvement. They highlighted the parade as an opportunity for youth groups to display their summer efforts and for the community to celebrate its heritage. The Summit County Historical Society also contributed by hosting a festival and activities at the John Brown House.
Local officials, including Akron Mayor Shammas Malik and City Council President Margo Sommerville, praised the event's execution and its importance. Ohio State Representative Veronica Sims underscored Juneteenth's role in remembering struggle and progress. The sentiment from organizers and officials was clear: this fusion of the West Akron Parade and Juneteenth celebration must continue to educate younger generations about rich history.
