The Milford Juneteenth Celebration Committee will host a celebration of Juneteenth on the Milford Green on Saturday, June 19 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Milford’s celebration will include decorating the gazebo, a “Living Monuments” experience in which local residents will highlight Black historical figures through an interactive presentation, artists, readings, non-profit group tables and activities for families. Special Juneteenth cuisine will be sold nearby and business vendors will participate.
Juneteenth is a holiday commemorating the last official act of emancipation of formerly-enslaved Black American citizens prior to adoption of the 13th Amendment in 1865. It was first celebrated in Texas and is annually observed on June 19 to commemorate the date when unemancipated African Americans in Galveston received word that they had gained their freedom two and a half years earlier with the issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation in 1862.
Congress today passed a bipartisan bill that would make Juneteenth a national holiday. It awaits the president’s signature.
The committee will also be sponsoring an official Juneteenth Flag-Raising Ceremony on Flag Day, Monday, June 14 with Mayor Ben Blake at 2 p.m. at Milford City Hall, located at 110 River St.
The committee can be reached at juneteenthmilford@gmail.com.