June 19, also called Juneteenth National Independence Day, is an American holiday celebrating the date when the last slaves in the United States were freed after the Civil War.
While President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, it wasn’t until June 19, 1865 when the final enforcement of the order was officially carried out. Slaves in Galveston, Texas were the last to learn they were free.
The date later became a celebration, featuring parades, festivals and cookouts across the U.S.
Juneteenth is now a federal and state holiday in Georgia.
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Here’s a list of events happening around the metro Atlanta area for Juneteenth.
If you see an event you’d like added to the list, email us at newstip@wsbtv.com.
College Park, June 19, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The City of College Park will host its second annual Juneteenth Parade and Freedom Celebration.
It all starts with the Juneteenth Parade on Godby Road at 10 a.m. and include activities on the lawn at the Tracey Wyatt Recreation Center.
Hapeville, June 19, 1 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
The Hapeville Depot Museum will host the city’s first Juneteenth Freedom Day celebration.
Attendees can enjoy a history tour, poetry session and history panel discussion from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
The celebration will then move to Jess Lucas Y-Teen Park with live performances and vendors from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
All events are free to attend.
High Museum Atlanta, June 19
The High Museum will be offering free admission for its Juneteenth celebration. All programs here will be on a first come, first served basis.
Roswell, June 19 and June 22
The City of Roswell will have a series of events throughout Thursday and through the weekend.
Barrington Hall will offer the Black Experience Tour at 11 a.m. which explores the history of enslaved people who build early Roswell.
At 1 p.m., African Americans for the Arts will host local Black artists at the Roswell Cultural Arts Center to display their work and celebrate the heritage that inspired it.
A special Juneteenth edition of Alive in Roswell will take place at 5 p.m. at Roswell Park featuring local vendors, food trucks and a celebration of music.
Roswell’s Juneteenth celebration will wrap up Sunday at 4 p.m. with R&B singer Robin Latimore performing at the Roswell Cultural Arts Center.
Sandy Springs, June 19, 5 p.m.
The City of Sandy Springs’ Juneteenth Celebration will happen from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at City Springs. The family-friendly event is free and open to the public.
It will feature a mix of educational experiences, live performances and immersive art exhibitions in honor of Juneteenth.
Smyrna, June 19, 5 p.m.
Smyrna will honor Juneteenth at Village Green Park. The event will be free and open to the public.
Stone Mountain Park, June 19-June 22
Stone Mountain Park’s light show will be a tribute to Juneteenth all weekend.
Lift Every Voice Drone & Light Show will showcase Civil Rights heroes, sports icons, Motown legends and other Black pop culture pioneers. The drone and light show is free with admission.
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