June 14, 2025 - Juneteenth Freedom Day

What: Juneteenth Freedom Day

When: Saturday, June 14, 2025 from Noon To 4 pm

Where: Ernie Davis Park - Lake and Fifth Streets, Elmira, NY (across the street from the old Ernie Davis school building - now Finn Academy)

Artists | Exhibitors | Food | Music | Vendors

The Park Church will have a booth.

Juneteenth marks the day on June 19, 1865, when General Gordon Granger arrived in Texas to announce the end of slavery, freeing the last enslaved people. Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation was declared over 2 1/2 years earlier. Early celebrations featured prayer meetings, family gatherings, and the wearing of new clothes.

As African Americans migrated across the country, Juneteenth grew into a cherished annual tradition. In 1872, African American ministers and businessmen in Houston purchased land to create Emancipation Park, a space for the city’s Juneteenth celebrations. Texas made Juneteenth an official state holiday in 1980.

In 2021, President Biden signed a bill making it a federal holiday, cementing its national importance.

Now as we kick off this year’s celebration let's remember it is a celebration of freedom. The good book says the kingdom of God is not in just one man but all men, and we are all created in God's image. May we continue to seek equity and justice for those Americans our country imprisoned and abused for so long.

Come enjoy the music, food, vendors, exhibits and festivities. To become a more diverse congregation, it is important to show up and learn more about this important event.