PHOTOS: 14th annual Juneteenth NY festival brings music, fashion, vendors to Prospect Park

The Powerhouse Dance Group performs at Sunday's concert. Photo credit Amanda Alexandre

By Amanda Alexandre

NEW YORK (1010 WINS/WCBS 880) -- Juneteenth NY held its 14th annual festival in Brooklyn with music, fashion, culture and camaraderie over the weekend ahead of Juneteenth on Monday.

The annual event founded by New York native Athenia Rodney commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans.

The event-filled weekend kicked off Friday with an award ceremony called the Celebration of Black Kings, which honored distinguished Black men for their impact on communities in New York.

The days-long festival included dozens of vendors at Prospect Park, as well as a concert and fashion show Sunday.

Hundreds of New Yorkers and curious visitors gathered to celebrate, rap and sing, showcase fashion, and honor a crucial turning point in U.S. history.

"It's amazing, it's an incredible day," said Kiff Gallagher, of Washington, D.C. "I love the way in recent years it's starting to get understood and recognized by more and more people."