Here’s how Juneteenth is being celebrated across the CSRA

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – For more than a century and a half, the Juneteenth holiday has been sacred to many Black communities, and celebrations are planned across the CSRA.

Juneteenth marks the day in 1865 enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, found out they had been freed — after the end of the Civil War, and two years after President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation.

Here’s a look at some celebrations across the CSRA:

Saturday

Augusta Juneteenth parade and celebration: In downtown Augusta, the parade lineup will begin at 2 p.m. at the James Brown Arena parking lot. At 4 p.m., there will be a drumline stick-off and community awareness festival at the Augusta Common. There will also be food trucks, crafting and clothing vendors, medical screenings, entertainment and more.

Aiken Juneteenth celebration: Center for African American History, Art & Culture and Founders Park, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event will include a brief history of Juneteenth, live music, Juneteenth-themed crafts, tile painting, bingo and a puppet show.

Warren County Juneteenth celebration: Downtown Warrenton, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The event will include live music, a variety of food options, vendors, kids’ activities, a grill-off and a chance to learn about history through guest speakers.

Waynesboro Juneteenth parade: The parade will take place between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. Officers will close Liberty Street between Ninth Street and Brenwood Drive as well as Pauline Jenkins Street (West Ninth Street) between Shadrack and Libery streets between 12:30 p.m. and 12:45 p.m. for the parade.

Wednesday

Umoja Village Juneteenth celebration: The celebration will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Eudora Farms Wildlife Safari Park in Salley. Activities for the entire family are planned by Umoja Village to also include remarks by Salley Mayor LaDonna Hall, African-style drummers and dancers, educational and history presentations, line dancing and more.