Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States.  Dating back to 1865, it was on June 19 that the Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, landed at Galveston, Texas with news that the war had ended and that the enslaved were now free. Note that this was two and a half years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation.

Those participating in the St. Pete Peace Protests will be joined several businesses, and this amazing community at Williams Park downtown to celebrate the holiday.

The Williams Park Juneteenth celebration will have live music and food provided by locally run black owned businesses. These businesses include Ray’s Vegan Soul, Atwaters BBQ, Chief’s Creole Cafe, Gregory’s Vegan To Go, and Food Not Bombs. This also include a food donation from Casita Taqueria, and Speakeasy Kava, which is donating 25% of its profits to Black Lives Matter.

The celebration will run from 2pm-7pm. After that, St Pete for Equality will lead attendees on a peaceful march through downtown St Petersburg.

Organizers are currently seeking donations of masks and hand sanitizers. For those wishing to donate, just visit the Event Page for details on how to proceed.

Williams Park, 350 2nd Avenue North.