NORTH MIAMI, Fla. — Friday marks a historic day for all who love freedom.
The Emancipation Proclamation freed slaves in Confederate territory on Jan. 1, 1863, but the news didn’t get to Galveston, Texas, until June 19, 1865.
Juneteenth, which commemorates the day, has been an official federal holiday since 2021, and North Miami has been celebrating it every year with a free festival.
“Juneteenth is not just for African Americans,” said Vincent Spence, who helps to organize the festival. “Juneteenth is more about like that road that has been paved for us.”
Spence, who co-founded Our Living Legends, a North Miami-based organization, was looking forward to the 5th annual festival at Griffing Park.
“Juneteenth is a powerful reminder of the resilience, strength, and contributions of generations who paved the way for future opportunities,” Councilwoman Mary Estimé-Irvin said in a statement.
A stage for live music, a kid zone, and a network of tents were near food trucks that were open for business on Thursday at 12220 Griffing Boulevard.
For more information about the community event, visit this page.
Related special report: The origins of Juneteenth
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