Juneteenth is almost here! What to know about the federal holiday and celebration events
Juneteenth might be a new holiday to some, but the African-American community has been celebrating the holiday for more than 150 years.
Despite Abraham Lincoln freeing slaves in 1863, the news took more than two years to reach the masses and finally put an end to slavery in the United States with the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, according to National Museum of African American History and Culture.
Celebrate Juneteenth and more: 5 things to do near Peoria this weekend
Here's what you need to know about Juneteenth:
When is Juneteenth 2023?
Juneteenth is Monday, June 19, 2023.
What is Juneteenth?
The holiday is the oldest internationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States, according to www.juneteenth.com.
The holiday recognizes the Emancipation Proclamation in the U.S., under which Lincoln freed enslaved African Americans in secessionist states on Jan. 1, 1863. However, in Galveston, Texas, enslaved people would not hear of their freedom for two years.
Slave owners were responsible for telling the enslaved of their freedom, but many ignored the directive. Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger informed Galveston residents on June 19, 1865, and forced locals to comply with the proclamation.
With Texas being the last Confederate state to receive the proclamation announcement, the inaugural Juneteenth began in 1866, marking the day Galveston slaves were set free. Also known as Freedom Day, African Americans migrating away from the South would spread the holiday across the nation.
Is Juneteenth a federal holiday?
Yes. The Juneteenth National Independence Day Act was signed into law by President Joe Biden on June 17, 2021.
Is mail delivered on Juneteenth?
No. Mail will not be delivered by the United States Postal Service.
Are banks open on Juneteenth?
No. Banks will be closed in observance of the holiday.
Juneteenth 2023 events in Illinois
2023 Tazewell County Juneteenth Celebration in Pekin: The event will run from 10 to 11 a.m. June 17 at Pocket Park, 411 Court St., Pekin, Ill. A dedication of a new Nance Legins-Costley and William Costley Memorial at the park entrance will highlight the event. Guest speakers include Carl Adams and Illinois Supreme Court Justice Lisa Holder White.
2023 Juneteenth Festival in Peoria: Head to John H. Gwynn Jr. Park at 809 W. John H. Gwynn Jr. Ave. in Peoria, Ill., from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, June 17. A new historical marker will be unveiled at the event. People can also enjoy a basketball alumni game, car show, community awards, elected official meet-and-greet, free youth haircuts, health and wellness fair, horseback riding, a live DJ, a tribute to hip-hop show, vendors and more.
Rockford Juneteenth Celebration: A two-day event will take place at Sinnissippi Park, 1401 N. Second St. in Rockford, Ill. Festivities will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 18 and 1 to 9 p.m. June 19. Don't miss activities such as the All-Black Graduation, community awards, community church service, a giveaway, live DJs, live music, a talent show and more.
Springfield Juneteenth Celebration: The five-day celebration began with a June 14 talent show followed by the Levitt AMP Concert at 5:30 p.m. June 15 at South Fourth Street and East Jackson Street in Springfield. The Freeish Block Party will feature art, music, vendors and more from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. June 16 just outside of the Illinois State Museum on Edwards Street. The Juneteenth Parade kicks off at 10 a.m. June 17 near Brown Street with festival activities to follow at Comer Cox Park, 301 Martin Luther King Drive in Springfield, Ill. The Juneteenth Festival will continue at 9 a.m. June 18 from Comer Cox Park. Enjoy fitness in the park, food, games, music, prizes and more.
Chris Sims is a digital producer for the Journal Star. Follow him on Twitter: @ChrisFSims.
This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Juneteenth 2023: What to know, from holiday meaning to celebrations
