The “Freedom Day” Juneteenth Celebration in Niagara Falls This Saturday is Free FREE

Todd AndersonPublished: June 19, 2019

Pat Mathews Published on Jun 13, 2019

Although Juneteenth was celebrated last weekend in Buffalo, today is Officially Juneteenth ... June 19, 2019

Wikipedia describes Juneteenth as follows:

Juneteenth, also known as Juneteenth Independence Day or Freedom Day, is an American holiday that commemorates the June 19, 1865, announcement of the abolition of slavery in the U.S. state of Texas, and more generally the emancipation of enslaved African Americans throughout the former Confederate States of America. Its name is a portmanteau of "June" and "nineteenth", the date of its celebration.^[1]^[2] Juneteenth is recognized as a state holiday or special day of observance in 45 states.^[3]
Observance is primarily in local celebrations. Traditions include public readings of the Emancipation Proclamation, singing traditional songs such as "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot" and "Lift Every Voice and Sing", and reading of works by noted African-American writers such as Ralph Ellison and Maya Angelou.^[4] Celebrations include rodeos, street fairs, cookouts, family reunions, park parties, historical reenactments, or Miss Juneteenth contests.^[5] The Mascogos, descendants of Black Seminoles, of Coahuila, Mexico also celebrate Juneteenth.^[6]

The announcement of Slaves being freed happened on June 19, 1865, as follows, according to Wikipedia:

The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of personal rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired labor. The freedmen are advised to remain quietly at their present homes and work for wages. They are informed that they will not be allowed to collect at military posts and that they will not be supported in idleness either there or elsewhere.

This Saturday from 1pm-5pm there is a "FREE EVENT" to celebrate Juneteenth in Niagara Falls at the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center: (according to wnypapers.com)

Two Queens Production and the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center have teamed up to bring the first “Freedom Day” to Niagara Falls. Residents and the surrounding communities are cordially invited to a celebration of Juneteenth – a day of family fun on the grounds of the Heritage Center, neighboring the Amtrak Station. Festivities are from 1-5 p.m. Saturday at 825 Depot Ave. West, Niagara Falls.
The celebration will include a variety of activities for attendees of all ages. A kids’ zone will feature clowns, face-painting, carnival games and prizes. Live music will be provided by African drummers. DJ Eclipse will provide tunes for the afternoon's musical enjoyment and patrons wanting to participate in line dancing. An art show, history educators a media and film presentation that coincides with expert panelist available for discussion will round out the event. Niagara Falls’ first black-owned news publication will be available to the public.
Admission to the Heritage Center is free. An array of retail vendors, food vendors, resource and service vendors will complete the day’s robust offerings.

The “Freedom Day” Juneteenth Celebration in Niagara Falls This Saturday is Free FREE

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