Don't Miss: Peekskill's Juneteenth Parade, Riverfront Celebration Saturday

PEEKSKILL, NY — Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration of the ending of slavery. Peekskill's annual event not only celebrates that world-changing moment in American history but also honors African American ancestry, achievements and struggles. Juneteenth, also known as “Freedom Day” or “Emancipation Day”, will be celebrated in Peekskill on Saturday.

Juneteenth, now recognized as a state holiday or state holiday observance in 43 states as well as the District of Columbia, commemorates the celebration that took place in 1865 when Union soldiers led by Major General Gordon Granger landed at Galveston, TX with news that the war had ended and that all slaves were now free. This event occurred two and a half years after Jan. 1, 1863 when the Emancipation Proclamation became official.

Peekskill is running its seventh annual Juneteenth celebration. Former Peekskill Mayor Richard Jackson, who was the first African American mayor in New York State, was the Grand Marshall of the first Peekskill Juneteenth Parade on June 18, 2011.

A pre-parade ceremony is set for 1:30 p.m. at AME Mount Zion Church on Park Street. After the parade down to the Hudson, the Riverfront Celebration runs from 4-8 p.m.