Juneteenth Events in Virginia

Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States.  

In 1865, slavery was common practice in Texas even though President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation had been in effect since January 1, 1863. On June 19, 1865, Union General Gordon Granger and his 2,000 troops arrived in Galveston, TX to announce that the more than 250,000 enslaved people in the state were free. 

Today, we honor Juneteenth with celebration and reflection. Celebrate Juneteenth in Virginia at these events across the state.