Yesterday marked the 160th year since the U.S. Army arrived in Galveston, Texas, to declare that the approximately 250,000 enslaved people in the state were thereforth emancipated. The observance of this milestone in American history, known as Juneteenth, commemorates the freedom that generations of Black citizens have experienced since—even as civil-rights activists continue to push for fair treatment and equality for people of color in the present.
Because Juneteenth fell on a weekday this year, some Mississippians celebrated the holiday last weekend. Cities like Oxford, Tupelo, Biloxi, Hattiesburg and Yazoo City held festivities on June 14—the same day as the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary, President Donald Trump’s birthday, and the dozens of “No Kings” protests held across the world. Many cities in the state honored Juneteenth by organizing celebrations and activities on Thursday, June 19, but a handful are continuing the festivities with events taking place through the weekend.
“Juneteenth is more than a celebration—it’s a sacred recognition of the struggle, sacrifice, and strength that brought us closer to freedom,” Greenville, Mississippi, Mayor Errick D. Simmons said in a statement on June 9. “As we honor our veterans and legacy, we continue the work of justice and unity for all.”…