Underground Railroad Tour in Pittsford Village

The  Road to Freedom Community Exhibit - Pittsford

City of Rochester's Juneteenth Festival & Parade

City of Rochester's Juneteenth Block Party

Juneteenth 5k Run/Walk

Juneteenth at the International Market

Juneteenth is a U.S. holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. It marks the day (June 19th, 1865) when Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas and announced that all enslaved people were free, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation.

Although the Emancipation Proclamation was issued on January 1, 1863, enforcement relied on the advance of Union troops. Juneteenth represents the actual enforcement of emancipation, and therefore is often seen as the true end of slavery in the U.S.

Yes! President Joe Biden signed a bill into law on June 17, 2021, making Juneteenth a federal holiday in the U.S.

• The colors red, black, and green, which are the Pan-African colors
• Red foods and drinks, symbolizing resilience and remembrance
• The Juneteenth Flag, which is a red, white, and blue flag with a bursting star, representing new freedom and a new beginning. It also has a curved horizon to represent new beginnings, and red, white, and blue to connect it to the U.S. flag.

• Learn about Black history and slavery
• Support Black-owned businesses and creators
• Attend educational or cultural events
• Read, self-educate, and reflect on the history, as well as systems that still marginalize our BIPOC/ALANA+ communities
• Advocate for racial equity and justice
• Celebrate freedom, work for equity, and advocate for change!