The freedom of African Americans from slavery in the United States in 1865 is celebrated on the holiday known as “Juneteenth” on June 19. Juneteenth is made up of the words ‘June’ and ‘nineteenth,’ and it is on this day that Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Texas more than 156 years ago to inform slaves that slavery had been abolished.

June 19, 2021, is the 156 year of the abolishment of slavery and finally signed on as a federal holiday.  This comes after President Joe Biden signed Juneteenth National Independence Day Act Thursday, saying he believes it will go down as one of the greatest honors he has as president.  This enactment will undeniably bring additional awareness and will help educate people about history.

Several communities in Palm Beach County will be hosting Juneteenth events this Saturday: 

- “Juneteenth: Celebration of Freedom” will be held at Sara Sims Park in Boynton Beach, Saturday, June 19, 2021, at noon.

- “Juneteenth Palm Beach County” is also hosting an event at Riviera Beach Marina Bicentennial Park on Saturday, June 19, 2021, around 1 p.m.

- The West Palm Beach Redevelopment Agency is also throwing a Juneteenth event during a ribbon-cutting ceremony of “Heart & Soul Park” along North Rosemary Avenue Saturday, June 19, 2021, at 10:30 a.m.