Happy Juneteenth

“Emancipation wasn’t a gift bestowed on the slaves; it was something they took for themselves,
the culmination of their long struggle for freedom, which began as soon as chattel slavery was
established in the 17th century, and gained even greater steam with the Revolution and the
birth of a country committed, at least rhetorically, to freedom and equality. In fighting that
struggle, black Americans would open up new vistas of democratic possibility for the entire
country.” — Jamelle Bouie

Juneteenth is right around the corner! Also known as “Freedom Day” or “Emancipation Day,”
this holiday represents a turning point in American history that embraces a commitment to
equality for all. It not only honors the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States but
also serves as a powerful reminder of the continued struggle for racial equity and social justice.

Anyone can participate in Juneteenth, but it’s essential to recognize its fundamental principles:

− Democracy, the fundamental right of all individuals to be free.
− Citizenship, access to basic civil liberties, including the ability to participate in the
democratic process.
− Self-determination, a person’s ability to have agency over their own life.

The Greater Rochester Martin Luther King Jr. Commission and Rochester Area Community
Foundation invite you to the 2026 Juneteenth Festival, taking place June 19-20, 2026. This
year’s theme, “Beloved Community,” honors Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision of a society
based on justice, equal opportunity, and love of one’s fellow human beings.

Our two-day festival has become a cornerstone event, bringing together thousands of
community members for celebration, education, and unity. Appreciating Juneteenth means
balancing joyous, intergenerational celebrations of Black culture with meaningful reflection on
U.S. history and ongoing advocacy for racial equity.

Observing the holiday can be done through
a combination of intentional, highly actionable steps:
− Celebrate with your community by attending local parades, outdoor festivals, or
historical exhibits. In Rochester, look for programming hosted by the Rochester City
School District, the Rochester Public Library, or the Memorial Art Gallery, which
frequently host Juneteenth art and cultural celebrations.

− Intentionally direct your spending to local Black-owned restaurants, boutiques, and
service providers. Find local favorites around Rochester using community directories like
Buy Black Rochester or the RocWiki guide for local Black-owned businesses.
− Expand your historical knowledge beyond the standard textbook curriculum. Explore
resources provided by the National Museum of African American History and Culture or
read literature, such as Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You, to better understand the
systemic challenges Black Americans continue to navigate.
− Take time to support or donate to local social justice or community-based organizations
that promote equity. Support local civil rights initiatives or get involved with local
programs working toward equal opportunity in the Rochester area.

Juneteenth is the day that marks the emancipation of the final group of enslaved African
Americans. On June 19, 1865, Union General Gordon Granger reached a community in
Galveston, Texas. Almost 250,000 enslaved people were unaware of the Emancipation
Proclamation, issued by President Abraham Lincoln almost two years earlier in 1863.

The first celebration happened in 1872 when local businesspeople and church members
created Emancipation Park. However, the U.S. government didn’t recognize Juneteenth until
2021, when acting President Biden signed legislation making it a federal holiday.

“You must never, ever give out. We must keep the faith because we are one people. We are
brothers and sisters. We all live in the same house: The American house.” — John Lewis

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