President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation on Jan. 1, 1863; however, it took two more years for all Black people to gain their freedom. In 1865, some 2,000 Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas, and the Army announced that the more than 250,000 enslaved Black people in the state were free by executive decree. The day became known as Juneteenth.
Although celebrated in a variety of ways over the decades, it wasn’t until 2021 that it was recognized as a federal holiday by President Joe Biden.
Early festivities occurred in churches, and many were centered around food. These days, celebrations include music, cultural events and more. This year, since June 19 falls on a Wednesday, many of the activities are scheduled for the weekend.
In our state, The Florida Black Excellence Fest 2024 will take place June 19-23 at Everbank Stadium in Jacksonville. The following events will take place on June 15: Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium will be hosting its fourth Annual Juneteenth Festival, The Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens is hosting Juneteenth Park-in & Party: Experience in the Gardens 2024 from 4-11 p.m. and West Palm Beach will host the fourth Annual Juneteenth: Unity x Black Excellence Festival at the Meyer Amphitheater from 3-9 p.m.
Visit juneteenth.com