In the heart of central Harlem, Juneteenthnyc.org committee will hold the 29th annual Juneteenth celebration on June 18 to commemorate the 157th anniversary of the end of slavery in Galveston, Texas in 1865.
The history of Juneteenth marks June 19th as the day when, after two and a half years of the passing of then-President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, and the later establishment of the 13th Amendment abolishing slavery in the United States in 1865, Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, landed at Galveston, Texas with the news that the Civil War had ended and that all enslaved Black people were no longer captives and were granted freedom.
This year’s holiday will be celebrated nationally, on Monday, June 20, after President Joe Biden declared it to be a federal holiday. Locally, in New York City, the second African American mayor of the great metropolis has also declared Juneteenth, which falls on June 19 each year, as a paid city holiday for the first time in New York City history. Mayor Eric Adams said in a statement, “Juneteenth is a time for reflection, assessment and self-improvement.”
Brother Ade A. Rasul, who has spearheaded the Juneteenth Committee of the Historic Masjid Malcolm Shabazz under the leadership of Imam Izak-el M. Pasha, in the village of Harlem has gathered, along with the help of the committee members, sponsors, supporters, community leaders, politicians, musicians, and local businesses to make the festivities planned to be the best historical, educational, and cultural expressions of the African American experience.
The parade with floats, music and marching bands will begin at 11 a.m. sharp at 116th Street and Malcolm X Blvd. Afterwards, vending, health screenings, presentations to honor our unsung heroes and sheroes of Harlem, spoken word artists, sports activities, children’s face painting and other activities including three stages of live entertainment.
Three stages of live entertainment include a free outdoor jazz concert featuring the jazz and soul music of the John Satchmo Band. On the 2nd stage artists from Ruff Ryders hip hop entertainment. Presentations to honor some of Harlem’s icons and special cultural performances on the 3rd stage.
“It is our hope and prayers that Juneteenth does not become another holiday for shopping and material gain. We hope that Juneteenth doesn’t become just another day off from work to rest, sleep, do chores or just party” stated Brother Ade A. Rasul, coordinator and General Field Marshall. Pointing towards a more positive acknowledgment he added, “Our hopes and prayers are that Juneteenth will become a great day of action, celebration and reflections of our ancestors who endured slavery in America and the vision that they saw for freedom for all Black people today. Almighty G-D has answered their prayers. That day is NOW! Join us in Harlem for this great celebration of Peace, Love and Life this Juneteenth, as we continue to bring our ancestors’ vision into a reality,” stated Brother Ade.
For more information call 212-662-2200 or website at www.juneteenthcelebrationnyc.org