CSRA (WJBF) – Juneteenth is a federal holiday that commemorates the emancipation of slaves in Galveston, Texas. It was officially signed into law in 2021.
Although President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation (freeing slaves) in 1863, the news didn’t reach those in the Lone Star State until June 19th, 1865.
So now, many African-Americans and allies celebrate June 19th as a second “independence” day.
There are several events happening across the CSRA throughout the month of June to honor the holiday and and educate people.
- On June 13th, a Juneteenth Health Forum will be held at Augusta Tech at 6:00 pm. The forum will focus on natural health, fitness, and mental care of the Augusta/CSRA community.
- In Burke County, the Juneteenth kick-off event is Friday, June 13th at 6 pm at the Boggs Rural Life Center (BRLC) in Keysville.
- And on the 14th, There will be a Parade in Waynesboro at Noon followed by a festival at the Waynesboro Exchange Club Fair Grounds.
- A Juneteenth Celebration will take place in Dearing, Ga. on Saturday, June 14th from 10 am – 2 pm.
- In Saluda, S.C. on June 14th, there will also be a Juneteenth Celebration at the Saluda Park on S. Jefferson Street beginning at 11:00 am.
- The Juneteenth Augusta Festival is happening June 19th from Noon – 9 pm at the Augusta Exchange Fairgrounds.
- The Center for African American History, Art & Culture will hold a ceremony entitled ‘Juneteenth 2025: A Celebration of Freedom‘. It will take place at at the center located at 120 York St. NE, from 11 am – 2 pm
- The Augusta Museum of History will host “Juneteenth Discovery: Hypatia Of Harlem” June 21st. It’s an original play performed by the Jessye Norman School of the Arts. The event is free and begins at 11 am.
- On June 21st, the Miss Juneteenth Pageant will take place at the Burke County Office Park at 5 pm.
- Also on June 21st, a Juneteenth Freedom Trail Ride will be held in Hephzibah. Check in time is 3 PM at 4275 Old Waynesboro Road. Tickets range from free to $100.
- June 28th, in Burke County a Juneteenth Musical will be held featuring “Churches in the CSRA”. Th event begins a t 1 pm at Noah’s Ark Baptist Church in Keysville.
All these events are open to EVERYONE! Click on the blue links to learn more.
If we missed an event, email us at producers@wjbf.com, subject line Juneteenth 2025
