About JUNETEENTH
The Emancipation Proclamation signed by President Lincoln in 1863, freed slaves from states in rebellion against the US during the Civil War. However, news of the signing of the EP did not reach Galveston, Texas until June 19, 1865.
On June 19th (shortened to JUNETEENTH), former enslaved citizens flooded the streets, rejoicing in their newly discovered freedom. Barbecue smoke filled the air! Dancing feet pounded the ground and voices sung out. This day, JUNETEENTH, would forever commemorate African American freedom!
President Lincoln, had no legal power to single-handedly terminate slavery. On February 1, 1865, Congress proposed the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, abolishing slavery, and ratified it on December 6, 1865.
Communities nationwide have adopted JUNETEENTH as an occasion to celebrate African American culture and traditions, and as an opportunity to acknowledge contributions African Americans have made to the fabric of America. Cultural events like JUNETEENTH, celebrate the diversity of our nation, and unify the community.
33rd Annual Berkeley Juneteenth Festival
Sunday, June 21, 2020
11 am to 7 pm
Juneteenth-in-Berkeley, held annually in June on Father's Day, in south Berkeley’s five-block Alcatraz-Adeline corridor has been produced by Berkeley Juneteenth Association, Inc., a non-profit, serving the community since 1987. They rebranded as Berkeley Juneteenth Cultural Celebrations to pursue and sponsor more cultural events throughout the year.
MISSION:
"Promote greater societal cohesiveness and well-being by educating and involving the community at-large in historical, family and cultural activities pertaining to people of color."
