Commemorating Juneteenth

Juneteenth! A celebration in Middletown

Juneteenth graphi

“This national celebration of the many achievements of African-Americans has its historical roots in the date June 19, 1865, ‘when some 2,000 Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas. The army announced that the more than 250,000 enslaved Black people in the state, were free by executive decree. This day came to be known as Juneteenth by the newly freed people in Texas.’  It was the last city to hear the news that slavery had been abolished in the U.S.

“I am sad to admit that as a white person who grew up in a mostly white town, I didn’t learn about Juneteenth celebrations and their historical significance until later in my adulthood. Let’s observe the first Juneteenth National Holiday by engaging throughout the year in learning more about the accomplishments of Black Americans, reflecting on the promise of equality and equity for all, and celebrating strength through diversity in our community,” writes MxCC CEO Steve Minkler.

Celebrate in Middletown at the First Annual Juneteenth “Liberation Day” Festival, which starts at 1 p.m. on Saturday in Veterans Memorial Park, or find more Juneteenth events in Connecticut.

Additional resources:

https://nmaahc.si.edu/blog-post/historical-legacy-juneteenth

https://www.npr.org/2021/06/17/1007315228/juneteenth-what-is-origin-observation

MxCC Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council