Juneteenth (Juneteenth National Independence Day)
Celebrated on June 19th, Juneteenth, a state holiday since 2019 and a federal holiday since 2021, commemorates the ending of slavery when, on June 19, 1865, enslaved people in Texas were informed that they had been emancipated. Union Army Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger rode into Galveston, Texas, and told enslaved African Americans of their emancipation. This was two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed by President Lincoln and two months after the surrender of the confederate forces at Appomattox.
The colors and symbols on the flag are representative of freedom and the end of slavery in the United States.
Celebrations amongst newly freed African American enslaved people dating to 1866, started in Texas and eventually spread to the rest of the country. Today, Juneteenth serves as a time for reflection, remembrance, and celebration of African American culture and heritage, while also inspiring ongoing efforts to combat systemic racism and promote social justice for all.
In this area, Juneteenth celebrations will occur in central PA in and around June 19th.
June 15 - Family Cookout at Penn Park (1pm - 5pm)
June 19 – Juneteenth block party, Union Lutheran Church/Cultural Alliance
June 21 – Summit - Voices of the Youth, The Grotto (5pm)
June 22 – Keystone Kidspace (10am – 5pm)
June 22 – York County Pride, Rainbow Rose Center (11am – 5pm)
June 19 – Juneteenth block party, Union Lutheran Church/Cultural Alliance
June 21 – Summit - Voices of the Youth, The Grotto (5pm)
June 22 – Keystone Kidspace (10am – 5pm)
June 22 – York County Pride, Rainbow Rose Center (11am – 5pm)