On Thursday, June 19, Macon-Bibb County joined the rest of the United States in celebrating Juneteenth, a powerful celebration of Black liberation, freedom, resilience, and the ongoing fight for equality. Dozens gathered at City Hall to celebrate and reflect with a Wreath Laying Ceremony hosted by Macon Black Culture.

“Today’s Juneteenth celebration is a moment of reverence, reflection, and resilience as we honor Juneteenth by the placing of this wreath and hanging of this banner,” said Sheknita Smith, of Macon Black Culture. “As we stand here, we are not just commemorating a date, we are honoring a declaration.”

Juneteenth marks the day in 1865 when the last enslaved people in Galveston, Texas learned they were free, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. While Juneteenth, also known as Emancipation Day or Freedom Day, commemorates this major step toward ending slavery, true abolition came later that year with the 13th Amendment.

“We gather here not just as citizens of Bibb County, but as sons and daughters of a legacy of people who survived, built, rose, and believed even when freedom was delayed. We are living proof that our ancestors’ hope was not in vain,” said Smith.

Mayor Lester Miller presented a proclamation to the Kwanzaa Cultural Access Center, Inc., and Macon Black Culture. You can read it here.

“This is a great way to honor and recognize this day in our community,” said Mayor Miller. “We are so proud and grateful for the Macon Black Culture has put in to celebrate Juneteenth in our community.”

Macon Black Culture also held several events throughout the weekend such as Movie Night in the Park, Parade, and Juneteenth Homecoming Tailgate. Click here to see more pictures and events.