Juneteenth Events

President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, effective on January 1, 1863, but change did not come overnight. On June 19, 1865, General Gordon Granger and 2,000 federal troops descended upon Galveston, Texas, to enforce the emancipation of slaves. Following the reading of “General Order No. 3,” joyous celebrations erupted in the city’s streets. Juneteenth marks this event and the end of slavery with nationwide festivities including parades, parties and street fairs.

Here is a sampling of Juneteenth events from Gozaic partners.

Juneteenth Celebration, Galveston Island, Texas
June 12-20, 2010, Moody Gardens and locations throughout the city
Home to the original Juneteenth celebration, Galveston marks this holiday with a series of activities from June 12-June 20. Juneteenth was recognized as an official Texas state holiday in 1980.

Juneteenth Celebration, Columbus, Mississippi
June 18-20, 2010, Scott Sim Park
This free festival in Columbus, Mississippi, part of the Mississippi Hills Heritage Area, celebrates the Emancipation Proclamation with speakers, food, music, crafts and lots of fun including a softball tournament, senior citizen events and children's activities.

35th Annual Juneteenth Festival, Buffalo, New York
June 19-20, 2010, Martin Luther King, Jr. Park
The 35th Annual Juneteenth Festival will take place on June 19 and 20 at Frederick Law Olmsted's historic Martin Luther King, Jr. Park in Buffalo, New York. The third largest in the country, Buffalo’s Juneteenth Festival preserves and promotes the broad spectrum of African American heritage through educational and cultural activities.

Do you know of other Juneteenth celebrations? Please share in the comments section below.

Photos top to bottom: Buffalo Juneteenth Celebration, courtesty of David Gordon and the Buffalo Niagara CVB. General Granger statue at Ashton Villa, courtesy of Galveston Island CVB. Buffalo Juneteenth Celebration, courtesy of David Gordon and Buffalo Niagara CVB.