The weather for Greenport’s Juneteenth parade this year was absolutely perfect.

Under clear June skies and mild temps, the steady beat of drums, hundreds of residents, visitors and community leaders gathered Saturday morning in Greenport to celebrate Juneteenth, joining together for the village’s third annual parade and celebration. The event, organized by Clinton AME Zion Church, Coming to the Table North Fork and the Southold Anti-Bias Task Force, began at the historic Third Street church before winding its way through the village to Mitchell Park.

The day’s events were led by Rev. Natalie Wimberly, pastor of Clinton AME Zion Church, who welcomed participants and reflected on the continuing significance of Juneteenth as both a celebration of emancipation and a reminder of the ongoing pursuit of equality and justice.

In a rousing, extemporaneous speech that rang out across Greenport and set the tone for the morning, Wimberly implored the community to “keep on walking” towards freedom and justice and equality. (We regret that you’re not seeing that great video here. It was a barn burner. In the glare of the sun, we hit the wrong button and accidentally recorded the whole speech in slo-mo. Check the East End Beacon or social media for the video.)

Rev. Roger Joslin of the Church of the Redeemer in Mattituck and Holy Trinity Church in Greenport, offered a moving prayer.

Before the parade stepped off, church elders were honored and community members gathered around this year’s theme, “The Walk Toward Freedom Continues,” a message organizers said was intended to connect the struggles of the past with the work that remains today.

A special focus of this year’s celebration was 101-year-old Greenport resident Hattie McKnight, who was recognized as the event’s honoree. McKnight, a beloved member of the community whose life spans more than a century of American history, was celebrated for her resilience, wisdom and enduring connection to Greenport. Organizers noted that honoring McKnight provided a living link to generations who experienced profound social change and helped shape the community that exists today.

The parade and stage performances were energized by the thunderous rhythms of Batalá New York, the internationally renowned all-women samba reggae drum corps, and Mambembé New York, a New York City-based Afro-Brazilian percussion ensemble.

Their vibrant, high-energy performances filled the streets and waterfront with infectious beats, providing a powerful musical backdrop for the celebration.

The parade made its way to Mitchell Park, where the waterfront celebration continued with music, dance, spoken-word performances and gospel singing. Performers included the Lavender Light Gospel Choir, and the event also featured the unveiling of a community quilt project that invited participants to reflect on what their own “walk to freedom” looks like, reinforcing the celebration’s message that the journey toward equality is ongoing.

Now in its third year, Greenport’s Juneteenth celebration has grown into one of the North Fork’s most meaningful annual community events.