Juneteenth marks the day when enslaved people in Texas finally received word from the U.S. government that they were free–a full two years after Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation in 1863. As federal troops arrived in Galveston, U.S. Gen. Gordon Granger read General Orders No. 3: “The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free.”

With this short, but powerful statement, 250,000 enslaved people were officially freed from Texas soil in the spring of 1865. While the event marked the end of slavery in America, it also signified how long slavery had continued in areas void of Union control during the Civil War. Because of this, many enslavers from outside the Lone Star State had moved there with the idea that it was a safe haven to resume their enslavement and poor treatment of African-Americans.

Of course, this second proclamation did not automatically free every enslaved individual, either, as slave owners withheld the information until after harvest season—putting the official release of enslaved people in Texas in late November of 1865. That December, slavery was formally abolished with the addition of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution.

With their newfound freedom, African Americans in Texas organized an annual celebration called “Jubilee Day” in 1866 to commemorate the monumental event. As Black people migrated to different parts of the country, the tradition continued to spread. In 1979, Texas became the first state to mark Juneteenth as an official holiday.

In 2021, 155 years after the proclamation was made in Galveston, Congress passed a resolution establishing Juneteenth as a national holiday. President Biden signed it into law on June 17, 2021.

As Sarasota celebrates Juneteenth’s third year as a federal holiday, Newtown Alive’s community director, Walter Gilbert, says that the holiday is about recognition Black people never really got.

“At no time [until now] was there official recognition after the Civil War that Black people were free, of what happened in Texas, or creating an honorary day for those who were freed last," he explains.

As an NAACP branch organization, Newtown Alive specializes in a range of projects and initiatives dedicated to preserving Black history, advocating for voter registration, providing equal opportunity school programs and promoting equality in and around the community. One of its major upcoming projects is the Museum of African American History and Culture in Sarasota.

“We are an organization that tries to communicate who Black people are and how they fit into the makeup of Sarasota County, including economically, socially and historically,” Gilbert says.

How does Gilbert suggest celebrating Junteenth?

“Learn your history and reflect on where we’ve come from,” he says. “We are having festivals in Newtown, so come join and recognize that this actually took place and happened.” Celebrations are also slated to take place at the 13th Avenue Dream Center in Bradenton.

And while the nation has come a long way since 1865, there is still lots of work to do. Juneteenth reminds us that there is still a struggle to be seen and treated equally as a Black person in our country.

When it came to Sarasota specifically, Gilbert underlines a few issues for the city to work on.

“The city has come a long way in preserving history and providing opportunities for children and African-American voters,” he says. “But for some reason, it has not become as inclusive or diverse with its government or big employers around town. The more we make sure everyone is included, the better our nation will become."

How to Celebrate Juneteenth in the Sarasota Area

Junteenth Reading Conference

June 16, 2023, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 1:30-3 p.m.

This free event for kids in first through fifth grade features storytelling, arts and crafts, African drumming, hip hop music and movement, games, prizes and more. Breakfast and lunch are provided, and kids will have the opportunity to meet T'Challa and Suri from Black Panther. Two sessions are available from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at Manatee Central Library and 1:30-3 p.m. at 13th Avenue Dream Center; for more information, visit recess4all.org or call (941) 348-6679. 

Juneteenth Generations Fashion Show

June 17, 2023, 5 p.m.

A one-of-a-kind celebration featuring the talent and style of Sarasota's diverse community, hosted by Dr. Pamela Green and beginning at 5 p.m. at the Palmetto Youth Center. Tickets are $10-$25; purchase here. For more information, call (941) 592-1739. Palmetto Youth Center, 501 17th St. W., Palmetto

Juneteenth Community Festival

June 17, 2023, 1-6 p.m.

This family-friendly free event will feature live entertainment, games, crafts, food and more. Sat., June 17, from 1-6 p.m. 13th Avenue Dream Center, 922 24th St. E, Bradenton

Juneteenth Arts Festival

June 18, 2023, 1-9 p.m.

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe will host its first-ever Juneteenth Arts Festival. on Sunday, June 18, from 1-9 p.m. On the docket: food trucks, film screenings (including Playing Through: The Story of Ann Gregory, which was filmed locally), spoken word and live music on an outdoor stage. Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota

Newtown Juneteenth Celebration

June 18, 2023, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

 Join the Newtown community for this free, outdoor celebration and support local vendors and businesses. Sat. June 18, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way.

Junteenth Celebration: Monday Night Jazz Cabaret Featuring Synia Carroll with Paul Gavin, Simon Lasky and Mauricio Rodriguez

June 19, 2023, 7:30 p.m. 

Celebrate Juneteenth with Monday night jazz at Florida Studio Theatre's John C. Court Cabaret. The featured performer is Synia Caroll, a jazz vocalist who draws inpsiration from Nina Simone, Natalie Cole, Sara Vaughan, Dee Dee Bridgewater and Diane Reeves. She'll be joined by Paul Gavin, Simon Lasky and Mauricio Rodriguez. Get tickets here. John C. Court Cabaret, 1265 First Street, Sarasota