Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebration commemoration marking the final end of slavery when the last of the enslaved people learned of their freedom in America. It is also known as Freedom Day, Juneteenth National Independence Day, or Emancipation Day.
After the Emancipation Proclamation was issued to free African American slaves in the Confederate states in 1863,
many slave owners in isolated areas kept word from those they had enslaved
so they would not flee. On June 19, 1865, Union soldiers reached Galveston,
Texas to deliver the message that the war was over so all slaves would now know
of their freedom.
Juneteenth honors African Americans who helped to build this nation. In 2021, President Joe Biden signed the
Juneteenth National Independence Act, establishing June 19 as a federal
holiday. Celebrations often include prayer and religious services, educational
events, family gatherings, parades, and festivals with music, food, and
dancing. This day is a reminder of the long fight for freedom and the work we
must continue to do to build a better future with liberty and justice for all.
Some local celebrations were held
last weekend with more planned this week – see LAL Today’s calendar:
Tapas + Paint Night |
Wednesday, June 19
Join Our Noire Kitchen @ AR Workshop Winter Haven
(5535 Cypress Gardens Blvd., Ste. 210, Winter Haven)
for a guided paint class complete with Caribbean-inspired small plates from 5:30-7:30pm
(5535 Cypress Gardens Blvd., Ste. 210, Winter Haven)
for a guided paint class complete with Caribbean-inspired small plates from 5:30-7:30pm
Juneteenth Celebration of Freedom |
Saturday, June 22
Stop by Donald Brunson Community Center
(124 Brunson Tr., Polk City) from 1-5pm for
festive + educational celebration hosted by
New Outlook Events
Stop by Donald Brunson Community Center
(124 Brunson Tr., Polk City) from 1-5pm for
festive + educational celebration hosted by
New Outlook Events
Juneteenth Freedom Festival | Saturday, June 29
Explore cultural exhibits that showcase the rich history and heritage of the African American community. Free family-friendly festival at
Simpson Park Community Center (1725 MLK Jr. Ave.) from 1-6pm
Explore cultural exhibits that showcase the rich history and heritage of the African American community. Free family-friendly festival at
Simpson Park Community Center (1725 MLK Jr. Ave.) from 1-6pm
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