HOLLAND (WHTC-AM/FM) — Kollen Park will be home to Holland’s first Freedom Family Festival — but the party celebrates Juneteenth.
Holland-area residents have observed Juneteenth for 19 years.
From 1 to 6 p.m., Saturday, June 15,2019, the Freedom Family Festival hosts people of all cultures and backgrounds across West Michigan to who want to celebrate the culture, accomplishments, and diversity of the African diaspora, as well as mark the 154th anniversary of the day the last U.S. slaves, then in Texas, learned they’d been freed by President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation
While sharing a day devoted to unity, peace, and empowerment, park visitors can also share food, entertainment, children’s activities, and learning more about our fascinating culture. Slavery started in the U.S. 400 years ago this year. It’s been 154 years since slaves were freed. Texas slaves learned of their freedom on June 19, months after all others were notified. Over time June 19th became Juneteenth, and the annual celebration expanded from Texas to the entire U.S.
