Most people in our nation are familiar with the symbolic history behind July 4th. While the United States became free in 1776, not all were free. It took another 87 years before Black people were declared free with the Emancipation Proclamation, and another two years before Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas on June 19, 1865, to ensure the freedom of all remaining slaves. African American ancestors celebrated their freedom with feasting, song, and prayer. Since then, Juneteenth has been celebrated throughout the United States each year.

Pocono Mountains United Way commemorates Juneteenth as the end of American slavery and invites our community to pause to reflect and honor this important moment in our history, and look ahead to building a bright equitable future for Monroe County.

For opportunities to expand your knowledge on the importance of Juneteenth, please visit the National Museum of African American History and Culture at the Smithsonian’s website, and to participate in Juneteenth events in our community, please visit Monroe County NAACP’s and NCNW’s event page.