As the nation prepares to celebrate Juneteenth, a group of Anacostia residents and shop owners is starting a new tradition honoring those who sought freedom in D.C. The 11th Street Bridge has connected the Anacostia neighborhood to downtown D.

Juneteenth celebrations took place across the U.S., commemorating the day in 1865 when enslaved Black people in Texas learned of their freedom. While long honored by Black Americans, the holiday has gained broader recognition since becoming a federal holiday in 2021 under President Joe Biden,

Juneteenth festival brought hundreds to Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, celebrating freedom with a parade and diverse vendors.