MILWAUKEE — Mac Weddle has been a driving force to keep Milwaukee's Juneteenth day celebrations going for decades. He is proud of the legacy Northcott neighborhood house started 49 years ago.
Weddle has many memories over the years - but one that stands out most is 1996. Organizers decided to bring in the original document signed by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863 abolishing slavery and freeing thousands of African Americans.
"We raised the money to fly the person in and the Emancipation Proclamation on an airplane because we had to pay for the seat that the emancipation sat on," said Weddle.
Weddle recalls the 25th anniversary was a big production with a gala and a reenactment of the event of June 19, 1865 at the Milwaukee Public Museum.
"Slave masters beating on them while they yelled 'I can't take it no more, I can't take it no more' - one of the slaves took off running and the white slave master ran after him, then General Granger was on horseback with the black soldiers turning the corner, with the Emancipation Proclamation in hand letting the slaves know they'd been freed."
That was a moment he said many in attendance said they would never forget.
"It made them really realize the importance of why we do Juneteenth. It made them realize the history. We as a people are strong and have a lot to offer. We helped build this country, although we came from hard times, look at what we've been able to do for one another," said Weddle.
Weddle is determined to keep the history of Juneteenth alive for future generations.
"We just have to keep it out there and make sure our young people understand what Juneteenth is all about, yeah we have fun, yeah it's a party, but there is a whole lot of history behind it," he said.
The Juneteenth celebration is canceled this year. Organizers are already working on big plans for next year's 50th celebration.
Mac Weddle recently retired as the executive director of Northcott Neighborhood house.
