Juneteenth commemorates the day word reached the last group of enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, that slavery had been abolished. The notice came on June 19, 1865 – more than two-and-a-half years after the passing of the Emancipation Proclamation in January of 1863.
The anniversary, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, is marked nationally by celebrations and a federal holiday. The City of Winter Park released a schedule of events that this year will happen on Saturday, June 15, and Sunday, June 16. The list is as follows:
Saturday, June 15
• Knowing Remembering & Reclaiming Our Stories: 9th Annual Juneteenth Celebration in Historic Hannibal Square, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Ward Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church, 160 S. Pennsylvania Ave.
Presented in partnership with Hannibal Square Heritage Center and featuring acclaimed singer, actress and poet Mzuri Moyo Aimbaye, the observance will include guest speakers and community conversations on diversity, equity, and inclusion. For more information, access hannibalsquareheritagecenter.org or call 407-539-2680.
• See Through Our Eyes: Storytellers in Sanford and Eatonville, 2-4 p.m at Hannibal Square Heritage Center, 642 W. New England Ave.
The Crealdé Storytellers Teen Documentary Photography Program has provided students, ages 13-17, with the opportunity for self-expression while exploring the heritage of their communities. From urban Orlando to suburban Apopka and rural Geneva, teens from around Central Florida have completed 18 photographic documentary exhibitions to date. This collection includes Sanford’s Goldsboro community, the Spring Hill community in DeLand, New Smyrna Beach west-side community, and the community of Eatonville.
• A Night Under the Stars: Jazz & Jubilee, 5-10 p.m at Winter Park Community Center and Shady Park, 721 W. New England Ave.
Presented by the Equity Council Corp. and the City of Winter Park, the evening will feature performances by Central Florida jazz musicians, dancers, and fine artists. Local Black-owned businesses will also be represented in a vendor area with food stations and retail booths offering culture wear, art, and jewelry. Access the event page and equitycouncilcorp.org for more information and upcoming additions to the lineup.
Sunday, June 16
• Juneteenth: Connecting the Dots, 3 p.m. at Winter Park Library, 1052 W Morse Blvd.
Led by Smith Grant Scholar Dr. Rebekah McCloud, the discussion follows the stories of local Black churches and spotlights historic connections between religious observances. Access the event page for more information.
City Hall will be closed on Wednesday, June 19, in observance of the federal holiday.
