Juneteenth celebrations take place across New York City, U.S.
PROSPECT HEIGHTS, Brooklyn (WABC) -- Celebrations were held in New York City and across the country to commemorate Juneteenth, the day in 1865 that enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas learned they were free.
Sunday's celebration in Brooklyn included a mix of events and community groups, along with leaders that will show up to celebrate Juneteenth.
The celebration commemorated the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in 1865.
Like previous years, Sunday's celebration will include family-friendly events including performers, poets, and musicians.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams, along with other community leaders are expected to show up to join the celebration.
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This is what Adams had to say about inclusion and the importance of today's event.
"We don't have to be in a state where if you're Jewish you're attacked with anti-Semitism," he said. "We don't have to be in a city where if you're from the AAPI community and your mother, or father, grandfather cannot leave home because people are attacking you for no reason at all. We don't have to be in a city if you're a member of the LGBTQ+ community people are assaulting you and attacking you, just because of who you choose to be. We don't have to be in a city where African Americans cannot move up in titles and rank just because of their ethnicity."
This is the first year that Juneteenth is a paid holiday for New York City workers.
Sunday's celebration started at 8:00 a.m. and ran through 11:30 a.m.
The Brooklyn Public Library hosted some family friendly activities like live dance performances and musical acts.
"I believe our presence here is proof of our progress," Council member Farah Louis said. "Our ancestor blazed a path to freedom."
The March of Dads was also held just across the street from the library to honor Black dads.
Organizers wanted to change the views of absent fathers in black and brown communities.
Across the street, we're celebrating black dads being home," said Tyrone Williams. "On the other side of the street we're celebrating Juneteenth. To be here so close to each other and feel that connection, it's huge."
Elsewhere in the city, the Park Avenue Armory and Lincoln Center are two of the places also celebrating Juneteenth this weekend.
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They're taking part in a series designed to educate people about the African-American fight for freedom.
At 3:00 p.m., people can view an art installation at the armory and attend a concert.
Then at 7:00 p.m., people can head to the Lincoln Center to check out an event called "I Dream a Dream That Dreams Back at Me," which draws inspiration from Harriet Tubman and the underground railroad.
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