Erie’s Juneteenth celebration is underway, and local organizers say it is a powerful and joyful time to come together and honor African American heritage.
The community will have a chance to enjoy live entertainment, support local vendors, and learn about the meaning of the holiday.
Juneteenth is about more than commemorating the end of slavery—it’s an opportunity to educate, inspire, and bring people together through culture, music, food, and community pride.
The holiday has gained greater national recognition since it was designated a federal holiday in 2021. Events taking place this week are aimed at honoring that history while continuing important conversations about its impact today.
Across Erie, community members will gather to honor freedom, reflect on the past, and celebrate the contributions of African Americans throughout history.
Angela McNair, one of this year’s organizers, says Juneteenth is about celebrating culture and recognizing that African American history is an essential part of American history.
McNair said, “African American history and what we bring to the table, and what we’ve been through, is a part of American history. I’m excited that once again we’re stepping up and lifting our voices to make sure people know this is a part of America. We are Americans, and it’s important to celebrate what we bring to the table, which is a lot.”
For a complete list of events, visit the organizers’ Facebook page here.