On Friday, June 19th, NYSUT will celebrate Juneteenth, the nation’s official commemoration of the ending of slavery in America. Check out special Juneteenth events statewide including the annual Juneteenth Block Party in Albany, Oneonta’s Juneteenth Celebration, and the 13th Annual Watertown Juneteenth celebration. In Western New York, the Buffalo Teachers Federation got festivities started early, walking in the 50th Anniversary of the Buffalo Juneteenth Festival.
New York state also offers a host of museums and historic sites to learn more about Juneteenth and African American history, including the John Brown Historic State Park in Lake Placid, the Joysetta & Julius Pearse African American Museum of Nassau County and the Harriet Tubman Home in Auburn.
March with us in Albany's African Heritage Parade
Join NYSUT and the Albany-area community for the annual CDYMCA African Heritage Parade on June 20, celebrating the African diaspora in the United States. The event line up will begin at the former Sunshine School at 9:30 AM on Saturday, June 20, 2026. At 11:30 AM the Parade will proceed to the Juneteenth Celebration Block Party at the Giffen Elementary School.
About Juneteenth
Although U.S. President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation ending slavery on Jan. 1, 1863, freedom didn’t come for enslaved African Americans living in Texas until June 19, 1865 — a full two and a half years later, when Union General Gordon Granger traveled to Galveston, Texas to issue General Order Number 3, which officially enforced the Emancipation Proclamation, after Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee surrendered.
Today that anniversary, known as Juneteenth, is celebrated as “Emancipation Day” with parades, picnics, family gatherings and public celebrations. Many also fly the Juneteenth flag, which echoes the red, white and blue of the U.S. flag, and features a center star representing Texas, and an outer starburst representing a new beginning for African Americans.
“Juneteenth is a time of celebration for all Americans,” said J. Philippe Abraham, NYSUT Secretary-Treasurer. “I encourage members to learn more about this important holiday and share that knowledge with their students.”
When is Juneteenth?
President Joe Biden officially established Juneteenth as a federal holiday in 2021. Juneteenth is celebrated on June 19.
Who should celebrate Juneteenth?
Everyone! Learning about our nation’s history, and acknowledging our past helps us improve as a society and teaches empathy. Juneteenth today celebrates African American freedom and achievement, while encouraging continuous self-development and respect for all cultures.
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Resources
Use these resources to teach your students about Juneteenth: