John Mannion, the 1199-endorsed candidate for New York’s 22nd Congressional District, joined union members in Syracuse for their Juneteenth parade.

1199ers in Rochester and Potsdam also gathered together to commemorate the holiday, which marks the abolition of slavery on June 19, 1865.

"Juneteenth is a celebration of our freedom—and we are still fighting for equality," said Lavonne, a Patient Care Aide at Buffalo General Medical Center.