On October 14, 2020, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo signed into law legislation that designating Juneteenth as an official public holiday in New York State. This year NYC public Schools will be closed on Monday June 20th in observance of this important American holiday.
WHAT IS JUNETEENTH
June 19, 1865, known as "Juneteenth" commemorates the end of slavery and celebrates Black and African American freedom and achievements while encouraging continuous self-development and respect and equity for all cultures. It is the day in 1865 when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to take control of the state to ensure that all enslaved people were freed from their slave owners. Their emancipation or liberation came a full two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed.
HOW CAN YOU CELEBRATE JUNETEENTH?
Across the country, the day has been celebrated with street festivals, parades, and concerts.
Celebrate in the neighborhood!
Click on the flyer below to register, FREE admissions.
Celebrate in Central Park
Head to Seneca Village in Central Park this Juneteenth for a FREE family-friendly celebration of Black culture and accomplishment through music, storytelling, dance, poetry and more! Click HERE for more details.
WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT JUNETEENTH?
The NYC Department of Education has compiled a list of resources for families to learn more about the history and meaning of Juneteenth through videos, texts, and Multimedia. Click HERE to start exploring