Juneteenth

Wishing everyone a meaningful and joyous Juneteenth.

Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when news of freedom finally reached enslaved people in Texas, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Today, it is recognized as the nation's oldest continuously celebrated commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States.

Juneteenth is a day to honor freedom, reflect on our nation’s history, celebrate Black resilience and achievement, and reaffirm our commitment to justice, equality, and community. As we gather with family, friends, and neighbors, may we remember those who struggled for freedom and continue working toward a more equitable future for all.

We also invite you to visit Juneteenth Grove in Cadman Plaza Park. The peaceful protests following the murder of George Floyd and the broader movement for racial justice made Cadman Plaza Park a fitting home for Juneteenth Grove—a place for remembrance, reflection, healing, and community.

Since its designation in 2020, Juneteenth Grove has been cared for through a partnership between NYC Parks, the Conservancy, and dedicated community volunteers. Together, they have spent countless hours mulching, weeding, planting, and tending the grove, helping it remain a welcoming and vibrant space for all who visit.

Today, we celebrate not only the significance of Juneteenth, but also the power of community stewardship in creating places where history, reflection, and hope can take root.