Celebrating Juneteenth

dbowers
52 minutes ago
2 min read

In 2021, Juneteenth completed the long journey of seeking official recognition from the government and becoming a federal holiday in the United States. Juneteenth National Independence Day is celebrated annually on June 19 to commemorate the ending of slavery.

President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation to take effect on January 1, 1863 and free all enslaved people in the Confederacy. On June 19, 1865 Major General Granger ordered full enforcement of the law a full 900 days later. Because of its remote location at the time, Texas was the last state where slavery remained.

Celebrations that began in Galveston, TX grew to attract thousands of attendees. When the Jim Crow Era began many celebrations declined or disappeared all together. It was not until the late 1960s that the tradition saw a revival and cities and states began to make their own Juneteenth proclamations. Modern celebrations have become multicultural events with readings of the Emancipation Proclamation, music, food, and more.

Here is a list of some of the Juneteenth celebrations taking place throughout St. Louis:

"Tuskegee Airmen: America's Freedom Flyers"

Exhibit at the Missouri History Museum Soldiers Memorial

Opens Thursday, June 19 and runs through November 2 https://mohistory.org/exhibits/tuskegee-airmen

"Joyful Juneteenth: An Evening of Performances"

5:00 - 8:00 pm

Thursday, June 19

Edward and Margaret Imo Family Plaza https://mohistory.org/events/joyful-juneteenth

Juneteenth at The Griot Museum

11:00 am - 5:30 pm

Thursday, June 19

2505 Saint Louis Ave, St. Louis, MO 63106 A celebration of history and culture. Food, music, storytelling, small businesses