PENNSYLVANIA, USA — Editor's note: The above video is from June 19, 2023.
On June 19, 1865, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation, federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to let the last of the enslaved people know they were free.
June 19 is known as Juneteenth, a day marking the end of slavery in the United States. The date officially became a federal holiday on June 17, 2021.
Organizations all over Pennsylvania will honor the day with different celebrations. Here is a list of events and ways to recognize Juneteenth 2024. (If you don't see yours and would like it added, e-mail us at news@fox43.com):
Dauphin County
The Young Professionals of Color - Greater Harrisburg will host a number of events to celebrate the holiday. Most of the events are free, but more information can be found with the links provided:
- Speakers include local and regional elected officials.
- Date: June 17
- Time: 10:30 a.m.
- Location: K Leroy Irvis Building
- Juneteenth HBG Concert featuring Ghostface Killah and Jim Jones.
- Date: June 15
- Time: 8:30 p.m.
- Location: XL Live
- Artists showcasing their work depicting Black history throughout the ages.
- Date: June 17
- Time: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Location: 4801 Lindle Rd, Harrisburg, PA 17111
- An interactive discussion on Black history, homeownership, health and wellness, business and community development.
- Date: June 18
- Time: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Location: 111 S Front St, Harrisburg, PA 17101
- Performances include dance, music, spoken word and more.
- Date: June 20
- Time: 6 p.m.
- Location: 312 Chestnut St. Harrisburg, PA 17101
- A collaboration of tons of food, music and activities will be present.
- Date: June 21
- Time: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Location: S. Third St. between Market & Chestnuts Streets
Franklin County
- Nonprofit Racial Reconciliation will host a party for the Franklin County community to recognize Juneteenth. The celebration is free and open to the public, featuring live entertainment, vendors, games and activities for all ages, bounce houses, food, book giveaway for K-12, educational opportunities and more.
- Date: June 22
- Time: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
- Location: Mike Waters Park, South 2nd Street, Chambersburg
Lancaster County
- The City of Lancaster celebrations will include live music, cultural performances and vendors.
- Date: June 21
- Time: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Location: Binns Park & Ewell Plaza
- The Lancaster community is invited to join the NAACP Lancaster for its Juneteenth Flag-Raising Ceremony and a conversation over soul food.
- Date: June 19
- Time
- Flag-raising: 10:45 a.m.
- Reception: 11:30 a.m.
- Location
- Flag-raising: City Hall (120 N. Duke Street, Lancaster)
- Reception: Bethel A.M.E. Church and Cultural Center (512 E. Strawberry Street, Lancaster)
Lebanon County
- Celebrate Juneteenth with the Lebanon County Branch of NAACP. Highlights include a performance by the York Temple Guard Drill Team, presentation of the 2024 Diversity Scholarship Award Winner, two interactive Walks Through Black History, food, vendors, games and more.
- Date: June 15
- Time: Noon to 5 p.m.
- Location: Monument Park in Lebanon
York County
- The City of York will host its second annual "Juneteenth Family Cookout," inviting families to bring their favorite foods.
- Date: June 15
- Time: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
- Location: Penn Park
- Celebrate with a STEAM sneaker workshop at noon.
- Date: June 22
- Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Location: 10 East Hamilton Ave in York
- Detroit Street Food will host Hustle & Grub, an evening celebrating all things Black. The party will take place at Penn Market
- Date: June 19
- Time: 6 to 10 p.m.
- Location: 380 West Market Street in York.