The holiday is celebrated every year to commemorate the day in 1865 where enslaved people in Texas, being the most distant region of the confederacy at the time, finally found out that slavery had been coming to an end.
Juneteenth, a mashup of "June 19", would later become a day of celebration for African-Americans in the Lone Star State. The commemoration spread to other states and became a holiday in 47 states such as Washington, California, New Hampshire, Alabama, New York, Florida and Ohio.
People celebrate it by gathering, having barbecues, and other creative ways to commemorate the historic day. For some, Juneteenth means a day off and a day of service.
There are several names for Juneteenth, such as Emancipation day, Freedom day, Jubilee Day, or Liberation Day. It is arguably as important to the nation as July 4, as the day is when slaves experience real independence.
Festivities will be held in the garden at 750 E 88th St. Anyone can participate for free. At the location, parking will be available on the west side of Martin Luther King Boulevard and East Boulevard. Look for signs for ADA accommodations. For other inquiries regarding the event, call 216-220-3075.