Paterson residents celebrated Juneteenth at East Side Park.

Attendees say the annual event shines a light on how far the nation has come since the emancipation of enslaved Black people.

“Juneteenth is an opportunity to celebrate African heritage, African history and African heroics. You know it was a struggle to get equal rights in this country and the struggle still continues,” said Mayor Andre Sayegh.

“The kids get to learn what Juneteenth is all about community, how it we got to this point and where we're going to end up,” said Juneteenth Committee Member Kandala Clark.

During the event, the oldest mother and father in Paterson were also honored by their community.

“Good to be here. Good to be alive. 99 years young,” said Thomas Blackmon.

“Glad to be here,” said 104-year-old Margaret Johnson.

The Juneteenth celebration will continue into Monday.