St. Louis-area residents celebrate Juneteenth, say ‘the work is not over’

At a north St. Louis County celebration, community members and leaders shared what Juneteenth means to them.

“Freedom, equality, and justice,” Ferguson Mayor Ella Jones said at a parade in nearby Dellwood. “And that's why we out here. No, we have not arrived yet, but we’re working on it. It's a day-to-day journey.”

Jones stood on a corner holding a red, yellow and green flag that said, “Ferguson Juneteenth Celebration.” It was so big that she had to use both hands to wave it back and forth.

“We know the work is not over,” she said.

Families waved from folding chairs along the West Florissant Avenue parade route Monday, wearing the same colors.

Groups of dancers marched in step, while politicians yelled, “Happy Juneteenth” to their constituents. Local businesses handed out candy and shirts.