JUNETEENTH IS A CELEBRATION OF LIBERATION! 

Juneteenth, also know as Freedom Day, marks the liberation of over 250,000 enslaved Black Americans in the United States.

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On June 19, 1865 — more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation—Union troops led by Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, to announce and enforce the lawful freedom of enslaved people.

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Texas had resisted change and, because it was far from the main fighting and lightly occupied by Union forces during much of the war, enslavers had continued to hold people in bondage long after emancipation had been declared. So when Granger issued General Order No. 3 — declaring that “all slaves are free” and establishing a new relationship between former enslaved people and enslavers — it was more than news. It was a long-delayed reality finally backed by federal authority.

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On that day, newly freed Black men, women, and children began to respond in real time — some gathered to pray, some sang spirituals that had carried hope through generations, some wept, some celebrated, and many simply stood in disbelief as the meaning of freedom began to settle in. There was no single reaction. But there was a shared shift — from being told what their lives would be, to beginning to imagine what they could become.

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In the days and weeks that followed, many newly freed Black people did not stay put, despite the order’s instruction to remain where they were and work for wages. They left plantations to search for family members who had been sold away, to reunite with loved ones, to test the meaning of freedom for themselves, and to build new lives on their own terms. That movement became known as “The Scatter”—a powerful expression of agency, mobility, and self-determination after generations of forced captivity.

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Juneteenth is now recognized as a federal holiday, but its roots run deeper than any official designation. It has been celebrated for generations as a day of remembrance, reflection, and community.

 

Why We Celebrate Juneteenth

Juneteenth isn’t only about what happened. It’s about what it means—then and now.

• It honors freedom that was delayed, not given freely.
  Freedom didn’t arrive evenly or easily. It had to be carried, enforced, and, in many cases, fought for.

• It recognizes resilience and cultural contribution.
  Despite injustice, Black communities built culture, created art, grew businesses, and shaped the fabric of American life.

• It reminds us that progress takes time.
  The gap between the promise of freedom and the experience of freedom still shows up today—in opportunity, access, and belonging.

• It invites all of us into the story.
  Juneteenth is Black history and American history. It’s a chance for us all to reflect on what it means to build a more just, connected community.

 

What Juneteenth Represents Today (2026 and Beyond)

The conversation has shifted. Juneteenth is no longer only about awareness. It’s about participation — how people show up, learn, and contribute to a shared future. Today, Juneteenth represents:

• Belonging — creating spaces where people feel seen, welcomed, and part of something real

• Community — coming together across backgrounds, not just in support, but in relationship

• Cultural celebration — music, food, art, and storytelling that carry history forward

• Ongoing progress — recognizing that freedom is a starting point, not a finish line

You’ll see Juneteenth celebrated through festivals, performances, education, and dialogue. Not as a checkbox—but as a living expression of culture and connection.

 

How People Celebrate

Across the country—and in communities like Fort Collins — Juneteenth often includes:

• Live music and performances rooted in Black culture

• Local vendors, food, and small businesses

• Storytelling, speakers, and educational experiences

• Family-friendly activities and community gatherings

At its best, it feels less like an event and more like a shared experience.

 

The Heart of It

Juneteenth asks a simple but powerful question:

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What does freedom look like when it’s fully realized — and who gets to feel it?

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That’s why we celebrate. Not just to remember the past, but to shape what comes next.

We will be commemorating Juneteenth from June 19-20 in Fort Collins at the Foothills Mall; with special performances from FoCo Motown Revue, Sol Pride, and more! Activities include a teen night, health and wellness events, live entertainment, art, and education.
 
Check back regularly for updates on our Schedule of Events as we finalize activities!