Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. The day marks the moment when the last enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, learned of their freedom on June 19, 1865, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed.
In the Hudson Valley, there will be a number of events to celebrate the holiday. Here’s a glimpse into some of the Juneteenth events happening across the region this year:
Beacon Juneteenth Riverfront Festival
Date & Time: June 19, 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: Pete and Toshi Seeger Riverfront Park
Bosco & the Storm and Beacon4BlackLives are hosting the second annual Juneteenth Riverfront Celebration in Beacon. This family-friendly event will include live performances, food and many local vendors.
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Newburgh Juneteenth Celebration
Date & Time: June 19, 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Location: Downing Park, Newburgh
The City of Newburgh is hosting the fourth annual Juneteenth celebration in Downing Park. Musical performances by Ayonish and other local artists will be paired with family activities, including bouncy houses, obstacle courses, soccer games and other activities.
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Continuum: An Immersive and Interactive Exploration of Local Black History
Date & Time: Weekends from June 14th – July 14th; Juneteenth commemoration on June 19th from 5:30pm to 8:30pm
Location: Lightforms Art Center in Hudson
Tanya Jackson and Loki Anthony are celebrating the 5th year of their annual Juneteenth exhibit at Lightforms Art Center, an artist run co-operative and gallery space. The exhibit focuses on Black history in Hudson and in Columbia County – make sure to stop by and check it out!
Lightforms Art Center will also be holding a freedom torch lighting ceremony and candle vigil this evening.
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Columbia County Juneteenth Celebration
Date & Time: June 19th from 11:30am – 2:30pm
Location: Rothermel Park in Kinderhook
This Juneteenth celebration centers around a family-style cookout in the park. The event will start with songs and a procession from the park to the Colored People’s Burial Grounds in Kinderhook. The cookout will include special guest speaker Mr. Paul Stewart, historian and co-founder of the Underground Railroad Education Center in Albany. Field games and table activities will also be available.
Black Staatsburg: The Gilded Age Black Community of Staatsburg
Dates: June 22 – August 31st at 2pm (Multiple events)
Location: Staatsburg State Historic Site
The staff of the Staatsburg State Historic Site are hosting one hour presentations about free Black community in the Village of Staatsburg during the Gilded Age. The presentation will include census record, historic maps and examine the larger context of race relations during the Gilded Age. Reserve a spot here!
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