Juneteenth is a day celebrating the end of slavery in the U.S., and dates back to 1865. More specifically, it honors the day Union soldiers arrived in Galveston to spread the word, but more on that in a bit.

To mark the occasion, the African-American Chamber of Commerce will host its annual Juneteenth parade down Elm Avenue in Waco starting at 10 AM.

John Bible of the African-American Chamber of Commerce tells  with FOX44News:

“You want to come out. You want to enjoy the heat, because it’s going to be hot. But you want to enjoy family. But you want to remember social distancing. You want to wear your masks. You want to remember social distancing,”

Here's a quick history lesson.

Juneteenth dates back to June 19, 1865 when Union soldiers landed in Galveston Texas with the news that the war had ended slavery was abolished. Major General Gordon Granger delivered the news two years after President Abraham Lincoln had delivered the Emancipation Proclamation.

"The people of Texas are informed that in accordance with a Proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired laborer."

Granger's public announcement was made from the balcony of the Ashton Villa in Galveston, pictured above.

The parade will start at 10 AM, and you can attend in person or watch the stream starting at 10:15am at wccc.tv.

Enter your number to get our free mobile app

KEEP READING: 50 activities to keep kids busy this summer

More From KLTD-FM