BOSTON (WHDH) - Celebrations are underway across the Bay State on Saturday now that Juneteenth, the oldest celebration of Black emancipation in the United States, is officially a federal holiday.
This comes after President Biden signed legislation Thursday establishing the new federal holiday, Juneteenth, or June 19, commemorating the end of slavery, saying he believes it will go down as one of the greatest honors he has as president. This is the first year the holiday is being recognized by the city, the state, and the federal government.
The Red Sox are celebrating the holiday by bringing elements of Fenway Park to Walsh Park in Dorchester on Saturday. The event will run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and includes food, drinks, and the Boston Police Department’s ice cream truck.
“This is our history. We need to expose our history, because if you know your history, then you can understand what we need to do to look forward to the future,” said Red Sox Special Advisor Frank Jordan.
The Red Sox Foundation will also host a baseball clinic for nearly 100 youths of color on Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m. at Orchard Park in Roxbury.
On Friday, hundreds gathered in Nubian Square in honor of the new federal holiday that marks the end of slavery in the US.
“I think being here the energy is amazing. I’m glad that right now it’s bringing national attention to this day, what it’s meant for Black people all over the world. I’m glad that there is now some national reverence to go with it,” Petrina Martin Cherry said.
City and state leaders joined the community in Roxbury on Friday for the inaugural event.
“Juneteenth being a state holiday, and a national holiday will force a reflection in the conversation about that stain and about that time and demand that we all recognize it, accept it, and work to right the terrible wrong that was done to so many,” said Gov. Charlie Baker.
Mayor Kim Janey – Boston’s first Black mayor – said the holiday should be a call to action to continue the fight for equality from income to housing.
“This is a day to reflect, to remember the hardships, and to recommit ourselves to the work moving forward,” said Mayor Kim Janey. “It’s also a day where we can be joyful. We can be joyful about everything that we have overcome as a people.”
Enoch Woodhouse was one of only two people of color to work at City Hall 70 years ago. For him, the holiday and the diversity within the city government shows that progress is possible even if it takes decades.
“You keep trying and eventually it will come to you. If you live long enough. I’m 94 going on 95. Yipee!,” he said.
The celebration will continue through the weekend and into Monday.
(Copyright (c) 2024 Sunbeam Television. The Associated Press contributed to this report. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)