Juneteenth celebrations and educational events kick off across Rhode Island

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Today is Juneteenth, a solemn and celebratory date, commemorating the end of slavery in the United States.

On June 19, 1865, Union Army Major General Gordan Granger rode into Galveston, Texas and announced that enslaved African Americans were free following an order by the U.S. president.

Even though President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation two-and-a-half years earlier, it wasn’t enforced by states under confederate control during the Civil War.

Juneteenth started as an informal celebration, but eventually spread across Texas and other parts of the country before becoming the federal holiday it is today, when former president Joe Biden signed it into law in 2021.

Some Juneteenth celebrations across the country are being scaled-back or canceled because of DEI concerns.

Organizers said safety issues and growing resistance to diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives are making it harder to host events.

Since his re-election, President Trump has made the elimination of DEI programs a focus of his administration.

Here in the Capitol City, there will be several events marking Juneteenth, starting with Thursday’s Taste of Juneteenth New England.

This afternoon, residents will be able to sample cuisines from more than twenty black-owned businesses, offering Haitian empanadas, Jamaican patties and authentic barbecue.

It’s the the festival’s second year, and it was organized by Hope and Main, the Muse Foundation, and Juneteenth RI.

It will be from noon to 6 p.m. at Farm Fresh Rhode Island on Sims Avenue and is free to the public.

Also Thursday, from 1 to 3 p.m., attendees can learn more about the holiday from the Juneteenth: The Price of Freedom Symposium.

It is hosted by the African American Museum of Rhode Island at the Hope High School Auditorium.

And on Sunday, the 7th annual Juneteenth Festival kicks off at Roger Williams Park.

The festival begins with a parade that will head down to the park’s temple to music.

There will be plenty of music and food to celebrate the day of freedom, and the “vibrant spirit of our community.”

The parade starts at 10 Sunday morning, with the festival kick-off at noon.

Also, as a reminder, because of Juneteenth, RIPTA will be running holiday service.

RIPTA offices will be closed, with the exception of the ride para-transit office and the customer service kiosk in the Newport transportation service.

Flex services will not be available, with the exception of route 203 in South Kingstown.