Holland residents will commemorate Juneteenth in the coming days, including the fourth annual Juneteenth Freedom Festival from I AM Academy running 2-7 p.m. June 21 at Kollen Park.
What is Juneteenth?
Juneteenth is a federal holiday that commemorates June 19, 1865, when enslaved people in Texas were informed of their freedom more than two years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation.
Holland has celebrated the holiday since 2000 and Michigan began recognizing Juneteenth as a holiday in 2005.
The theme for this year’s festival is “I AM Love.”
“(It) challenges us to reflect the kind of love that uplifts communities, breaks down barriers, and gives voice to the unheard,” said I AM Academy Co-Founder Lindsay Cherry. “It’s about honoring our history while actively building a future grounded in equity, representation and joy.”
What should I expect during the Juneteenth Freedom Festival?
The event will feature a DJ, student speakers, vendors and student businesses, food trucks, inflatables and face painting.
Other related events this week include:
— Cassidey Kavathas is the politics and court reporter at The Holland Sentinel. Contact her at ckavathas@hollandsentinel.com. Follow her on Twitter @cassideykava.
This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: What is Juneteenth? Everything to know about celebrating in Holland
Reporting by Cassidey Kavathas, Holland Sentinel / The Holland Sentinel
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