Juneteenth (short for June Nineteenth) marks the day when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas in 1865 to take control of the state and ensure that all enslaved people be freed. The troops’ arrival came a full two and a half years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. Juneteenth honors the end to slavery in the United States and is considered the longest-running African American holiday. On June 17, 2021, it officially became a federal holiday. 

There will be a parade on Saturday June 18 starting at 1 pm to celebrate Juneteenth.

After the parade there will be a celebration at City Center Park from 1-6 pm.

Make sure to visit the library table during the celebration.

For more information visit:

Benton Harbor Junteenth Cultural Awareness Committee 's facebookpage