Dozens come out for Juneteenth celebration in Lynchburg
LYNCHBURG, Va. (WSET) - Dozens of people came out on Saturday, June 15, to celebrate Juneteenth at Miller Park in Lynchburg.
Juneteenth marks the day in 1865 when the Union Army announced the end of slavery in Texas.
That was two years after the Emancipation Proclamation, the document ending slavery, was signed.
Traditionally the day is observed as a festival celebrating the art, food, education and the history of the African-American culture.
Today, the community gathered at Miller Park to do just that - and organizers say, there's no wrong way to celebrate.
"Have a feast, have a barbeque, anything like that - just to bring the families together and share their talents and share their stories. Learn about their history, learn about their ancestors, and that's what we're doing here today."
This year also marks the 400th anniversary of when the first documented slaves arrived at an English settlement.
According to the USA Today, the boat carrying the slaves arrived at Point Comfort in 1619.
Point Comfort was part of the settlement that would eventually become Virginia.
Juneteenth is observed on June 19th but celebrated on the third Saturday in June.
