Baltimore is gearing up to celebrate Juneteenth, a federal holiday that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. The holiday, which falls on June 19, marks the day when Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, and informed enslaved African Americans that they were free—more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.

Local Celebrations

The city’s signature Juneteenth celebration returns to Druid Hill Park for its 50th anniversary. One of the largest African American festivals on the East Coast, AFRAM will feature live music, cultural performances, food vendors, family activities, African drumming, arts and crafts, and community organizations.

The Reginald F. Lewis Museum will host a day of free programming exploring the meaning of freedom through history, dialogue, artmaking workshops, panel discussions, and cultural presentations. The Walters Art Museum will celebrate Juneteenth and Black Music Month with an afternoon of live music, storytelling, and cultural reflection.

Other events include the American Visionary Art Museum’s family-friendly programming, the Run Up to Juneteenth 5K and 1-Mile Walk, and the Rhythm Liberation Fest, hosted by the Waterfront Partnership.

Original reporting: Baltimore Fishbowl — read the source article.