Staff report
Bloomington, Ind. – June 16, 2023
The City of Bloomington is gearing up to host its annual Juneteenth celebration on Saturday, June 17, 2023, from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Switchyard Park. Juneteenth, a significant national commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States, has been celebrated by Black Americans since the late 19th century.
Attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy complimentary food from BBQ Train, partake in games, and listen to music. Additionally, Black-owned businesses will be present on-site, offering a range of products for sale. The festivities will take place at the pavilion and the Switchyard Plaza Spray Pad.
Guests are encouraged to bring their own food, non-alcoholic beverages, chairs, and picnic blankets to make the most of the celebration.
Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, Liberation Day, and Emancipation Day, holds deep historical significance as it commemorates the emancipation of those who were once enslaved in the United States. The observance traces its roots back to Galveston, Texas, where Union General Gordon Granger arrived on June 19, 1865, to proclaim the freedom of enslaved Black Americans and declare an end to the Civil War. This arrival marked the enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation, which President Abraham Lincoln had issued two and a half years earlier in January 1863.
Last year, Juneteenth received heightened recognition when President Joe Biden signed a bill into law, making it the 11th holiday officially recognized by the federal government.
For more information about the Juneteenth celebration in Bloomington, interested individuals can visit the official website at https://bton.in/Bzmol or reach out to Shatoyia Moss, the City of Bloomington Safe and Civil City Director, at [email protected].
Contact: Shatoyia Moss City of Bloomington Safe and Civil City Director Email: [email protected]
