Arizona to recognize Juneteenth with celebrations around the state

State Rep. Reginald Bolding, who pushed the legislation, said Juneteenth commemorates the ending of slavery in the United States and will bring together communities across Arizona.

This week also marks 153 years since the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. On the following day, June 19th, General Granger formally announced the end of slavery in Texas and hence the liberation of some of the last men and women to be legally held as slaves in our country.

The holiday commemorates the end of the struggle for US slaves, who were officially freed in 1863 when Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.

The long history of slavery isn’t lost on the youth of 2016. He is working to make people more aware. In March, the Arizona legislature passed a bill recognizing Juneteenth as a state holiday. Bolding’s bill will not go into effect until August, so next year will be the first recognized holiday.

Juneteenth celebrations will continue in Clinton Square throughout the day. “Arizona is trying to move in the right direction to show we are an inclusive state by valuing diversity and culture”.

At 11 a.m., the Juneteenth Music Festival starts.

Other cities hosting Juneteenth events include Chandler, Flagstaff, Mesa, Tempe, Tucson and Yuma.