We invite you to join us in celebrating Juneteenth, also known as Jubilee Day or Freedom Day. Juneteenth honors June 19, 1865, the day enslaved African Americans in the state of Texas were informed by Major General Gordan Granger—in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States—that all slaves were freed. Enslaved Black Texans didn’t know about their freedom until two and a half years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, which became official on January 1, 1863. Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States.
Juneteenth is a day of celebration, reflection, and renewal and the holiday is recognized worldwide. Communities will hold parades, festivals, church services, and more events to commemorate and respect the suffering of indentured servitude and slavery while also celebrating the progress made by African Americans throughout US history. It’s also a welcomed opportunity to reflect in meditation and prayer on the implications that slavery has had on the aspects of American life.
Celebrating Juneteenth
If you’d like to join in the celebration of freedom, we welcome you to try any of these activities to create your own personal Juneteenth experience for you and your family.
- Watch this interactive walkthrough video of the National Museum of African American History and Culture’s exhibition to celebrate Juneteenth.
- Revisit this year’s virtual 30th Annual Arthur “Pappy” Kennedy Prayer Breakfast, our celebration to commemorate the legacy of civil rights pioneer Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and local leader Arthur “Pappy” Kennedy.
- Share the story of Juneteenth with your family with Juneteenth for Mazie by Floyd Cooper or All Different Now: Juneteenth, the First Day of Freedom by Angela Johnson.
- Join the Hannibal Square Heritage Center for the Juneteenth Celebration: Knowing and Remembering from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm at the Winter Park Community Center. Hear from guest speakers, enjoy live performances, and more!