Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19th, honors the time when enslaved Black people in Texas were notified of their freedom, marking the effective end of slavery in the U.S. Though the date became a federal holiday in 2021, Juneteenth has been of important significance since its first celebration in 1865. Today, it’s honored with parades, festivals, educational events, art, and so much more — plenty of which are happening right here in Essex County. Keep reading for a list of Juneteenth events in Montclair, Bloomfield, and beyond in 2024.
This is a growing list. If you have an event to add, send us an email at [email protected].
History of Juneteenth
Juneteenth is celebrated on June 19th — the name is a portmanteau of the words “June” and “Nineteenth.” While Juneteenth has been celebrated throughout the country by many since the initial celebration in 1865, the day was officially recognized as a US Federal Holiday under President Biden in 2021. Known by many names including Jubilee Day, Emancipation Day, or Juneteenth Independence Day, the holiday recognizes the time when enslaved Black people in Texas were notified of their freedom, more than two years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation in January 1863. You can read more about the holiday’s history here.
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