photo by: Shawn Valverde/Special to the Journal-World

The Juneteenth parade makes its way down Massachusetts Street on Saturday, June 14, 2025.

Lawrence’s Juneteenth celebration kicked off on Saturday with a parade down Massachusetts Street, and was set to continue into the evening at South Park, 1141 Massachusetts St., with oral history stations, children’s activities, vendors, food, art and more.

photo by: Shawn Valverde/Special to the Journal-World

The Juneteenth parade makes its way down Massachusetts Street on Saturday, June 14, 2025.

photo by: Shawn Valverde/Special to the Journal-World

Lawrence Public Schools Superintendent Jeanice Swift hands out candy during the Juneteenth Parade on Massachusetts Street on Saturday, June 14, 2025.

photo by: Shawn Valverde/Special to the Journal-World

The Unity High Stepper Drill Team performs during the Juneteenth Parade on Massachusetts Street on Saturday, June 14, 2025.

photo by: Shawn Valverde/Special to the Journal-World

The Topeka High Marching band performs during the Juneteenth Parade on Massachusetts Street on Saturday, June 14, 2025.

photo by: Shawn Valverde/Special to the Journal-World

A woman hands out candy at the Juneteenth Parade on Massachusetts Street on Saturday, June 14, 2025.

photo by: Shawn Valverde/Special to the Journal-World

Food trucks and tents line South Park for the 2025 Juneteenth Celebration on Saturday, June 14, 2025.

photo by: Shawn Valverde/Special to the Journal-World

Tents fill South Park for the Juneteenth Celebration on Saturday, June 14, 2025

photo by: Shawn Valverde/Special to the Journal-World

The Topeka High Marching band performs at the Lawrence Juneteenth Celebration in South Park on Saturday, June 14, 2025

photo by: Shawn Valverde/Special to the Journal-World

A choir sings in South Park for the 2025 Juneteenth Celebration on Saturday, June 14, 2025