URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — The Well Experience, a social work nonprofit, hosted its annual Juneteenth parade on Thursday in Urbana.

The event featured signs made by the organization’s kids summer program, music, food and line dancing. During the week leading up to the event, the organization taught its summer camp the history behind the newest federal holiday. It honors the anniversary of the day enslaved people in Galveston, Texas learned of their emancipation.

The founder and executive director of The Well Experience, Dr. Stephanie Cockrell, said teaching young kids African American history is essential.

“Black history is American history,” Cockrell said. “We teach this all the time. Too much of our history has been left out of books.” 

The organization combines fun activities — like arts and crafts — with educational experiences so its campers, their families and the Urbana community can celebrate Juneteenth and understand why it matters.

“Our people were declared free,” Cockrell said. “We want to make sure that every year we take the time to celebrate this day with our families and communities.”