It is January 1863. The Emancipation Proclamation is in effect, freeing all enslaved people in the Confederate South and therefore putting an end to slavery in the United States. However, it took another two and half years before the last enslaved community in America was freed in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865 — Juneteenth.
Juneteenth has long been celebration in the African American community as a day of healing and advocacy for Black Americans’ advancement progression. However, it wasn’t until 2021 that it was recognized as a federal holiday by President Biden. Celebrating Juneteenth means commemorating another year of progression toward a nation of true freedom.
Celebrate Juneteenth Together in Las Vegas
The city of Las Vegas has long been an instrumental ally in the celebration of the Juneteenth holiday, which is for all Americans to participate in. Las Vegas is committed to breaking down the barriers to true freedom and is a cause we celebrate together.
For the last 25 years, the National Juneteenth Observance Foundation (NJOF) hosted its National Miss Juneteenth Scholarship program, which begins at the state level run by local directors feeding into the final competition at the national level, in October this year. The foundation exposes young women to the constitutional, economic and social elements of Juneteenth. Contributing to the support of this program is just one of the many ways Americans can be ambassadors of freedom. This year, the Miss Juneteenth Nevada Scholarship Program is new to the destination and will be taking place on June 17 at West Las Vegas Library Theater.
Another way you can celebrate is by attending the Las Vegas Juneteenth Festival, a platform proud to highlight local talent and artists. This one-day art event is held at The Expo at World Market Center.
Las Vegas is proud to support the National Juneteenth Observance Foundation and to celebrate the legacy and freedom of the Black community in Nevada and throughout our nation.