Saturday will forever be remembered as a historic day in Emporia as many gathered to celebrate the first public Juneteenth celebration in the community at Eastside Memorial Park.
This year’s celebration is especially significant. Earlier this week, US President Joe Biden momentously passed legislation this week that established Juneteenth as a federal holiday. Juneteenth has been celebrated for many years prior to its federal designation and commemorates the ending of slavery in 1865.
The event was organized by Don Carter and Emporia Community action. Carter, an Emporia native, said that this year’s celebration recognizes and appreciates the history of the African-American community in Emporia.
Live music, barbecue, and lawn games all entertained people while they were educated on the great importance of Juneteenth.
Carter says he hopes to continue the Juneteenth celebrations as the holiday flourishes locally and nationally.
Photos by Tagan Trahoon and Jack Barger/KVOE News
