Last year, Juneteenth celebrations were canceled due to the pandemic.
This year, many in South Florida are anticipating and celebrating Juneteeth this Saturday. Especially now that many know what the holiday is about.
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WATCH HERE“This year, it’s kind of no different. It’s just more people know about it," said Makiba Foster.
Foster has studied African American and Black culture for over a decade and is currently the Regional Manager at the African American Research Library and Cultural Center in Fort Lauderdale. She says people are now more aware of Juneteenth, especially since it's gained national recognition.
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MORE ON JUNETEENTH
"Because of the kind of conversations and people’s attention on Juneteenth, it has elevated to a national level and so there’s more eyes on it," Foster said.
On Thursday, President Joe Biden signed a bill making June 19, or Juneteenth, a new federal holiday.
On June 19, 1865, Black slaves in Galveston, Texas were told they were now free by the Union Soldiers, about two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation.
“These are the things that are happening, these are the things that we need to commemorate and recognize that they are part of our history and we need to acknowledge them," said Retha Boone-Fye, who is on the Miami-Dade County Black Affairs Advisory Board.
Here in South Florida, there are dozens of events on Saturday celebrating Juneteenth.
“We’re having a historian come out and educate not only about a Texas aspect of why Juneteenth came about, but even Florida‘s history within Juneteenth,” said Kenasha Paul, the founder of the Black Professionals Network, who is putting together a Juneteenth event for the city of North Miami Beach.
Event organizers hope Juneteenth not only highlights a chapter in history but also unites people of all backgrounds.
“For folks who are just learning about Juneteenth, that they get out and enjoy some of the wonderful offerings throughout the entire South Florida community,” said Foster.
