June 19th marks a very important moment in history, when news of the Emancipation Proclamation reached Texas two and a half years after it was issued. In honor of this historic day, JFCS has made a list of events happening around Pittsburgh and we encourage you all to learn more about the history of #Juneteenth.
But what is Juneteenth?
Juneteenth is a celebration of the emancipation of enslaved Africans in Texas on June 19th 1865, two years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation was announced. It began as a way for African Americans to commemorate their freedom from slavery by celebrating with family and friends. Since then, Juneteenth has become an annual event with festivals, parades and other activities.
List of events happening around Pittsburgh:
Juneteenth+Voting Rights Parade
Juneteenth Celebration Minority Vendor Plaza: June 17-19, 11am – 9pm – Liberty and Penn Ave
Juneteenth in the Square: June 17-19, Starts at noon – Market Square