The City of Bloomington will host a Juneteenth celebration Saturday at Switchyard Park.
Juneteenth is the oldest celebration of the end of slavery in the United States. On June 19, 1865, the last enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, were informed they had been freed by the Emancipation Proclamation. Celebrations commemorating the event began the next year.
Shatoyia Moss, Bloomington’s safe and civil city director, said the event is an opportunity for the community to enjoy summer, mingle with friends and learn the history of the celebration, which has risen to national prominence in recent years.
President Joe Biden signed a bill Thursday making Juneteenth a national holiday.
WATCH: Biden And Harris Are Speaking At The Bill Signing Making Juneteenth A Federal Holiday
“That’s that kind of exciting piece, that people get to now experience something that's been around for hundreds of years at this point and learn a piece of American history that they didn't know about,” Moss said.
The city’s celebration will last from 3 to 6:30 p.m. Saturday, with games and activities around the park, opportunities to support local Black-owned businesses, and free, pre-packaged meals, courtesy of Carson’s BBQ.
Educational opportunities will be present, too. Moss designed a display board detailing the celebration’s history, and a QR code will link to further resources about Juneteenth and other events happening in the community.
“I have heard the rhetoric like, ‘Am I allowed to come if I'm not Black?’” Moss said. “Absolutely! This is a city program. All are welcome – take the opportunity, like I said, to learn and also meet some other community members that you might not necessarily run into on a normal basis.”
In hopes of a large crowd, the Monroe County Health Department will offer free COVID-19 vaccines at the park.
City Holiday Monday
City offices will be closed on Monday, June 21 in observance of the new federal holiday.
Juneteenth isn't on the city calendar for this year, but Mayor John Hamilton will propose a resolution to the city council for Bloomington to officially adopt the holiday in 2022.
Bloomington City Council President Jim Sims said in a news release that he is gratified the city and country have chosen to recognize the holiday.
“While our ancestors back in Texas had to wait two and a half years to learn of their emancipation, communication from Washington is traveling faster these days so that we’re all participating in this national celebration of freedom together,” Sims said.
The Bloomington City Council broke for summer recess after its meeting Wednesday night and will return for regular sessions starting July 21.
This story has been updated.
