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Welcome to the Juneteenth Parade Planning Hub for
2026 Ward 7 Juneteenth Parade
Parade Assembly: 9:00AM
Start Time: 11:00AM
2026 Juneteenth Parade & Opal's Walk for Freedom
Friday, June 19
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Join us in celebrating Juneteenth with a vibrant and inclusive parade in Ward 7, in the District of Columbia.
Juneteenth, observed on June 19, commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. This historic day is a time for reflection, celebration, and community building. Our parade aims to honor this significant milestone while showcasing the rich culture and history of our community.
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March In the Parade
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Opal Lee's
Walk for Freedom
Pre-Parade Event
Opal Lee began this walk as a campaign to make Juneteenth a federal holiday which was achieved in 2021.
Opal’s Walk is an annual 2.5-mile walk celebrating “Freedom For All” as the nation celebrates its 250 birthday and Ms. Lee celebrates her 100th birthday. The 2.5-mile distance represents the 2.5 years (1863–1865) between the Emancipation Proclamation and June 19, 1865, when freedom was announced in Galveston, Texas.
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Pre-Parade Event
Opal's Walk Routes
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To celebrate the 5th year of Juneteenth as a federal holiday, this year’s walk will occur simultaneously at 10:00am EST in ten cities across the United States. Washington, DC is slated as the flagship city and the Ward 7 Juneteenth Planning Committee has agreed to lead this effort.
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Opal’s Walk will assemble at 8:00am and start at 10:00am.
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The route will begin at Fort Circle Park on Alabama Avenue SE and head towards Branch Avenue, SE to East Washington Heights Baptist Church (2220 Branch Ave SE) and continue northwest on Branch Avenue to Randle Circle SE. The walk will then enter Randle Circle moving counterclockwise, ending at the intersection of Fort Dupont Drive SE.
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Opal’s Walk Registration - $35 (includes t-shirt). No vehicles, floats, or structures (entities with vehicles are encouraged to register for the Parade.
Assembly Time: 8:00AM Walk Starts: 10:00AM Distance: 2.5 Miles
Opal's Walk for Freedom
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