Pittsburgh's Juneteenth celebration takes place at Point State Park

Juneteenth festivities kicked off at Point State Park with "A Salute to the End of Violence" event on the stage, with a call to make a commitment on this day to end violence. "It was the day to unite. It was the day for Pittsburgh to say we're in it, and let people know across the world Pittsburgh is a united city that wants to see violence end, wants you to understand the history of where all that violence comes from and honor Juneteenth the freedom of slavery," said Valerie Dixon, who lost her only son to gun violence."We have been down here every day by 10 a.m. The festivities begin at 11, and we come down to celebrate our true freedom, and I have got to teach my boys how it all began," said Krystal Joe.Joe brought her 6-month-old son Nolan Joe and her 9-year-old son Elijah Joe-Rivers."I'm just very happy to celebrate Juneteenth today," said Joe-Rivers."I feel like it's not taught in the school system, so as young Black boys, I want them to know not everything was always equal and appreciate what you have," said Joe. "Your great-great-grandparents weren't able to be out here enjoying this freedom. They weren't able to congregate like this and celebrate anything, so it's important for them to come down here and not just have fun but listen to the messages that are told as well."The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra took the stage at 3 p.m. Ohio Players will perform at 8 p.m. Fireworks are scheduled for 9:35 p.m.