Rhode Island celebrates Juneteenth

This week, Rhode Island joins communities across the nation in honoring Juneteenth

First recognized as a federal holiday in 2021 and a state holiday 2023, Juneteenth marks June 19, 1865, the day Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, and finally informed enslaved African Americans of their freedom — more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation.

From Providence to Newport, communities are gathering this week for parades, music, art, spoken word, and remembrance.

Events:

• WaterFire Juneteenth Celebration – Downtown Providence (6/19)

• Juneteenth FestRI – Roger Williams Park Temple to Music (6/22)

• Taste of Juneteenth New England – (6/19) from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Farm Fresh Rhode Island on Sims Avenue in Providence