CONNECTICUT, USA — Friday marks the 155th Anniversary of Juneteenth across Connecticut and the nation.
The June 19 holiday of Juneteenth commemorates the ending of slavery in the United States.
On Friday, Gov. Lamont officially declared the date as Juneteenth Day in Connecticut.
"But simply recognizing a day and educating people about our country's history is not enough. We must do more. We must take action to reach the goal of a more equal and just society," Lamont tweeted.
Here's a look at the State Proclamation.
The Emancipation Proclamation, freeing slaves in the United States, was issued by President Abraham Lincoln in January of 1863. However, it took much longer for news of his order to spread and didn’t reach slaves in Galveston, Texas, until two years later. One June 19, 1865 Union General Gordon Granger read the proclamation there. Generations have celebrated on June 19 ever since.
The name Juneteenth comes from a blending of the date. The holiday serves as an opportunity to cherish freedom, but also poignantly acknowledge the history of slavery in the country.
Below are a few celebrations happening across Connecticut:
West Hartford to commemorate Juneteenth
When: Friday, June 19, 8:30 AM
Where: Goodman Green, West Hartford Center
Stratford to recognize Juneteenth at Town Hall Ceremony
When: June 19th, 2020 at 9:00 a.m.
Where: 2725 Main St, Stratford
Save the Children to Honor Juneteenth as Holiday, Host Rally Outside Fairfield Office
Where: Save the Children, 501 Kings Highway East, Fairfield
When: Friday, June 19 at 11 a.m.
Mayor Ganim, City of Bridgeport Join with Juneteenth Committee of Fairfield County and Local Bridgeport Artists
- Unveiling Juneteenth Banner:
- At the corner of McLevy Green across from 999 Broad Street on State Street side
- Friday, June 19, at 10:45 AM
- Virtual Juneteenth Celebration with musicians, singers, dance, and more:
- Friday, June 19 at 12:30 PM
Black Live Matter Juneteenth March New Haven
When: Friday, June 19, 1 pm -4 pm
Where: Starts at Broadway and goes to NHPD
Juneteenth March for Black Justice in Hartford
When: Friday, June 19, 2 pm
Where: Starts at Bushnell Park
Juneteenth Cookout Celebration in Bridgeport
Where: 3455 Madison Avenue, behind the North Branch: Bridgeport Public Library and Puglio Park
When: Friday, June 19, 4 pm
Juneteenth Liberation Day -- New Haven Green
When: Friday, June 19, 3 pm
Where: New Haven Green
When: Friday, June 19, 7 pm
Where: 600 Main Street Hartford
For a list of companies giving time off to their employees for Juneteenth, click here.
