Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, is an annual holiday celebrated on June 19th in the United States to commemorate the ending of slavery. It marks the day in 1865 when word reached African Americans in Texas that slavery in the United States had been abolished. More than two years earlier, on New Year’s Day, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln had issued the Emancipation Proclamation. Delivered during the American Civil War, this proclamation ordered the freeing of all slaves in states that were rebelling against Union forces.
The purpose of the Juneteenth Celebration in Salina is to promote the elimination of racism and cultivate knowledge and appreciation of African American history and culture.
This year, the Salina Juneteenth Celebration Committee have planned multiple events. They include:
- Wed. Jun 19. – “Juneteenth: Faith & Freedom” Film – Art Center Cinema, 150 S. Santa Fe – 3pm – Tickets are Free. Get tickets at https://tinyurl.com/juneteenthticket
- Thu. Jun. 20 – “Juneteenth: Faith & Freedom” Film – Art Center Cinema, 150 S. Santa Fe – 6pm (w/Virtual Discussion with Director Prof. Ya’Ke Smith after the film) – Tickets are Free, Get tickets at https://tinyurl.com/juneteenthticket
- Sat. June 22 – City-Wide Juneteenth Celebration (featuring Proclamation, performances by Zafaja Band and Jon’Nea Soul) – City Lights Stage, Ash & Santa Fe – 1-5pm
- Sat. June 22 – Juneteenth Celebration Dance (featuring DJ Big Smoov) – Martinelli’s (158 S. Santa Fe) from 8:00 pm – 1:00 am.
Kansas joins at least 28 other states in recognizing Juneteenth as a state holiday.
