Making history: Collinsville adds first-ever parade to annual Juneteenth celebration

Celebrations of “Black Independence Day” around the region included gatherings over music, food, community fellowship and for the first time in Collinsville — a parade.

"We encourage our kids, not only to remember your history, but to try to make history also,” said James Alexander, a staff sponsor of Collinsville High School’s Black Student Union, which hosts the event.

The route ended at the Collinsville Juneteenth Festival, a block party outside Old Herald Brewery and Distillery with food vendors, retailers and other groups. With that festival in its fourth year, organizers added a parade route to the 2024 schedule to increase visibility in the community.