Juneteenth, also known as Emancipation Day, occurs annually on June 19. It is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States.
Juneteenth’s commemoration is on the anniversary date of June 19, 1865, when Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger led a force of soldiers to Galveston, Texas, to deliver General Order No. 3. This message stated that the war was over, the Union had won, and it had the manpower to enforce the end of slavery.
The announcement came two months after the effective conclusion of the Civil War and more than two years since President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.
This is why we celebrate Juneteenth, as it honors the day all of the enslaved were legally freed.
Lexington Special Events
19th Annual Juneteenth Jubilee, 7-8:30 p.m., June 15, African Cemetery No. 2, 419 East 7th St.: Lexington’s oldest Juneteenth Celebration will again highlight the spirit of freedom, and honor the Civil War soldiers who fought for that freedom.
Soulteenth Fest, noon-6 p.m., June 15, Moondance Amphitheater, 1152 Monarch St.: Celebrates black liberation and ingenuity through music, art, agriculture, and food.
Juneteenth Freedom Day, 2-8 p.m., June 16, Douglass Park, 726 Georgetown St.: A community celebration sponsored by Wiseguys Barbershop and the Georgetown Street Neighborhood Area Association to bring awareness to culture, history, equality, and peace through food, music and activities for children.
“A Sense of Place”, 11 a.m., June 19, Cadentown Missionary Baptist Church, 2950 Cadentown Road: Juneteenth celebration in a historic Black hamlet.
Juneteenth Independence Day Celebration, doors open 6 p.m., June 19, Lyric Theatre and Cultural Arts Center, 300 E. Third St.: A celebration of African American independence and artistic expression through live performances including jazz, hip-hop, line-dancing, African drumming, spoken word, rap, violin, stepping, ballet, gospel, acting, and opera.
Juneteenth Celebration presented by U.S. Freedmen Coalition, 11 a.m.-7 p.m., June 22, Charles Young Park, 215 Midland Ave.: Entertainment, food, information booths, vendors, and community fellowship celebrating black American liberation.