Juneteenth

Voters approved ballot measures that will change their state constitutions to prohibit slavery and involuntary servitude as punishment for crime.

From the live music to the free food, an event had all the feelings of a party in New Britain on Monday.

From the live music to the free food, an event had all the feelings of a party in New Britain on Monday. But the festivities also had a meaningful purpose. “I think it’s important we celebrate freedom. I think that is the purpose of this day is to celebrate freedom of all Americans,” said Jerrell Hargraves, New Britain human...

Juneteenth events took place across Connecticut on Sunday.

Juneteenth events took place across Connecticut on Sunday. As celebrations took over New Haven, people checked out vendors. “We’re kind of Juneteenth year-round. There’s a lot of Afro-centric items here,” said Marcia Whittingham, Launch Clothing co-owner. They also heard presentations and joined a bike ride to learn about key historical landmarks. “What I wanted to do today was honor...

Brandon Byrd, Associate Professor of History at Vanderbilt University, joins LX News to discuss the history of Juneteenth. 

As the United States marks only the second federally recognized Juneteenth, Black Americans living overseas have embraced the holiday as a day of reflection and an opportunity to educate people in their host countries on Black history. President Joe Biden moved quickly last year to federally recognize the day Black Americans have been celebrating since the last enslaved people were...

A social advocate’s book recommendations inspired by the legacy of Juneteenth

Juneteenth is a cause for celebration.

With music, art and community, people across Connecticut celebrated Juneteenth at various events across the state. In Bloomfield, a parade and concert on Saturday kicked off a weekend-long celebration.  “It’s wonderful that people are coming out. Not just to celebrate, but to remember the struggle,” said Suzette DeBeatham-Brown, a Bloomfield town councilor. “To remember everything that our ancestors went...

This year, Michael Twitty will once again guide about 30 cyclists around the city to historic stops like the 202-year-old Dixwell Avenue., Congregational United Church of Christ, the Amistad Memorial and the first school for Black children in New Haven.

“I believe we should all know our stories. We don’t want our stories to get lost in the mix.” Michael Twitty is passionate about local Black history. He’s also dedicated to staying healthy on his bike. He lost thirty pounds and gained a love for cycling. Twitty created the Black and Brown Soul Cyclists group in New Haven, and says...

Download and print Juneteenth coloring sheets!

Juneteenth is a celebration of the end of slavery that takes place every year on June 19. Known by many names — including Emancipation Day, Jubilee Day and Black Independence Day — it became a federal holiday just last year. Here are four things to know about the holiday and its history.

Juneteenth is officially a federal holiday in the U.S. But what’s the meaning behind the day off, and will banks and the Post Office be closed? Your questions answered.

Retailers and marketers have been quick to commemorate Juneteenth with an avalanche of merchandise from ice cream to T-shirts to party favors.

On June 19, 1939, a home on Fort Worth’s south side was vandalized and burned. Angry that a Black family had moved into the neighborhood, a group of 500 protesters dragged furniture into the yard, smashed windows, and set the home on fire. Otis Flake and his family were forced to run. Among them was 12-year-old Opal Lee. “I’m not…

Juneteenth marks the day in 1865 when the Emancipation Proclamation was brought to enslaved people in Texas — more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln issued it. After Juneteenth became a federal holiday, more corporations got involved in promoting and celebrating it — though not all efforts have been well-received. Dartmouth history professor Matthew Delmont joins LX News to...

While Juneteenth isn’t an official state holiday until next year, there will be plenty of celebrations taking place in West Hartford to commemorate the day this weekend.

For the second time, the West Hartford Public Library will honor the late Gertrude Blanks and her love of storytelling. But people will have the chance to learn about her life and legacy in a new way. Growing up, Blanks broke down barriers in a heavily segregated society, becoming the first Black graduate of Hall High School, a librarian in Hartford...