Celebrating Juneteenth in Rochester

This particular event is raising money for Journie, a program that supports area youth.

I'm kate lange today is known as "juneteenth" ?

"* a day that marks the end of slavery in the united states.

Although president lincoln gave his emancipation proclamation in 1863 ?

"* it wasn't until more than two years later that news of the war's end made its way to texas and slaves were freed.

Kimt news 3's annalise johnson joins us live from a juneteenth commemoratio n in rochester.

Annalise?

Live katie ?

"* i'm here at a juneteenth celebration at foster arend park in rochester ?

"* one of many events happenig around the country today.

This particular event is raising money for journie ?

"* a program that supports area youth.

Here's a look at a similar event hosted by the rochester branch of the national association for the advancement of colored people two years ago.

An outdoor celebration in the med city dates back to 2004.

Last year's event was pushed back because of a storm ?

"* and is taking place virtually this year because of the pandemic.

Juneteenth is not an officially recognized u?

"*s holiday ?

"* but governor walz s calling on the legislature to establish it as the state holiday of "freedom day."

I spoke today with w?

"*c jordan*- the minnesota dakotas area state conference president of the naacp.

He tells me that although white people may be more aware of juneteenth this year because of the george floyd protests and active conversations about black lives matter ?

"* this day is an important part of black culture and has been for decades.

I just feel that its time for america to truly grapple with its legacy of slavery.

In many ways, juneteenth represents how freedom and justice in the united states has always been delayed for black people.

Jordan goes on to explain how justice for black people did not begin and end on juneteenth.

Following the emancipation of slaves were lynchings and jim crow laws ?

*- and in modern days ?

"* mass incarceration ?

"* discriminatoy housing practices ?

"* and polie brutality.

Live in rochester?

*- annalise johnson kimt news 3 thank you annalise.

The naacp rochester branch's virtual juneteenth event ?

"* "celebrating 401 years of black life resilience" kicks off just before 10 am tomorrow on facebook live.

There will be keynote