NORTH MIAMI, Fla. \u2014 Friday marks a historic day for all who love freedom. <\/p>\n
The Emancipation Proclamation freed slaves in Confederate territory on Jan. 1, 1863, but the news didn\u2019t get to Galveston, Texas, until June 19, 1865. <\/p>\n
Juneteenth<\/a>, which commemorates the day, has been an official federal holiday since 2021, and North Miami has been celebrating it every year with a free festival. <\/p>\n \u201cJuneteenth is not just for African Americans,\u201d said Vincent Spence, who helps to organize the festival. \u201cJuneteenth is more about like that road that has been paved for us.\u201d<\/p>\n Spence, who co-founded Our Living Legends, a North Miami-based organization, was looking forward to the 5th annual festival at Griffing Park<\/a>. <\/p>\n \u201cJuneteenth is a powerful reminder of the resilience, strength, and contributions of generations who paved the way for future opportunities,\u201d Councilwoman Mary Estim\u00e9-Irvin said in a statement. <\/p>\n A stage for live music, a kid zone, and a network of tents were near food trucks that were open for business on Thursday at 12220 Griffing Boulevard.<\/p>\n For more information about the community event, visit this page<\/a>. <\/p>\n