Celebrate Juneteenth With a Range of Virtual Events and Opportunities

A DCHS CONNECT NEWS HIGHLIGHT

June 17, 2021--On June 19, the City of Alexandria is celebrating Juneteenth, commemorating emancipation and the end of slavery in the United States, with a range of opportunities to learn more about the history of the holiday, celebrate through virtual events, and participate in racial equity conversations.

The holiday marks the day that the news of the Emancipation Proclamation reached enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865, two and a half years after President Abraham Lincoln issued it.

The Office of Historic Alexandria offers resources to learn about the history of the holiday as well as access to virtual content and events, including Black History Museum collections, lectures, webinars and concerts and performances.

ALL Alexandria and ACT for Alexandria are hosting the first community 30-Day Racial Equity Challenge, which invites participants to engage in one or more of 30 offered readings, videos or podcasts with the goal of increasing knowledge and understanding as the Alexandria community continues its racial equity journey. Sign up for one or more facilitated conversations, which began June 16 and continue through July 7. 

Learn more about ALL Alexandria, the City’s commitment to reduce and eliminate disparities and inequities experienced by all residents, especially those in communities of color and other groups who have been historically and systemically marginalized.