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ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — A local nonprofit organization and the City of Asheville are collaborating to host a series of events to commemorate Juneteenth this year.

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Association of Asheville and Buncombe County, in partnership with the City of Asheville, will highlight local leaders, Asheville’s Black history, and more.

Juneteenth dates back to June 19, 1865, the day that Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, to announce that the Civil War had ended and enslaved people were free. This came over two years after President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, in which he declared that all slaves in Confederate states were to be free.

The City of Asheville recognized Juneteenth as a city holiday in 2021. On June 11, 2024, Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer issued a proclamation that acknowledges Juneteenth as a day of celebration for Black Americans.

THE STORY BEHIND JUNETEENTH AND HOW IT BECAME A FEDERAL HOLIDAY

A press release from the Martin Luther King, Jr. Association of Asheville and Buncombe County says this year’s Juneteenth series aims to “foster broad participation, promote community awareness and appreciation, and celebrate the liberation of enslaved people.”

The schedule of events includes the following:

Monday, June 16: A viewing of the short film “A Time to Yell” and a discussion on removing Confederate monuments.

  • Location: Stephens Lee Community Center – 30 George Washington Carver Ave, Asheville, NC 28801
  • Time: 5:30-8 p.m.

Tuesday, June 17: A viewing of the short film “Rosenwald” and a remembrance program for civil rights workers James Chaney, Andrew Goodman and Michael Schwerner.

  • Location: Stephens Lee Community Center – 30 George Washington Carver Ave, Asheville, NC 28801
  • Time: 5:30-8 p.m.

Wednesday, June 18: A dinner and discussion with Sasha Mitchell on tracing family trees.

  • Location: Stephens Lee Community Center – 30 George Washington Carver Ave, Asheville, NC 28801
  • Time: 5:30-8 p.m.

Thursday, June 19: A Juneteenth celebration through song by Mary D. Williams.

  • Location: Friendship Community Center – 142 Shiloh Rd, Asheville, NC 28803
  • Time: 12-2 p.m.

Gala and fashion show.

  • Location: AB-Tech Conference Center – 16 Fernihurst Dr, Asheville, NC 28801
  • Time: 6-9 p.m.

Friday, June 20: Downtown After 5 event.

  • Location: Pack Square Park
  • Time: 5-9 p.m.

All events are free and open to the public.