Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery, on June 19, 1865, when the Emancipation Proclamation was enforced by Union soldiers and the last remaining slaves were freed in Galveston Texas. To honor the significance of this historical event, celebrations are held every year around the country.

This year, on June 22, West Philadelphia will be the proud host of the annual Juneteenth Parade held in the city. The parade route will start at 52nd and Jefferson Streets and move south on 52nd Street ending with a music festival at Malcolm X Park at 52nd and Pine Streets. The day’s events will run from 9:00 am to 7:00 p.m.; information and the full schedule of activities and events can be found at JuneteenthPhilly.org.

Lucien E. Blackwell/West Philadelphia Regional Library will be offering not one but two Juneteenth events! On Tuesday, June 11, beginning at 6:00 p.m.,the African American Museum in Philadelphia will devote a portion of their Become a Docent series to discussing aspects of Juneteenth. Then on Wednesday, June 12, at 6:00 p.m., Ron Brown, aka "Mr. Juneteenth", will explore the Juneteenth celebration and the aspects of it that are unique to Philadelphia. And in keeping with the spirit of the day, Blackwell Regional Library is offering a series of Healthy Cooking Workshops, A Taste of African Heritage, which celebrates the healthy food traditions of the African Diaspora. The Healthy Cooking Workshops are on Fridays, through June 21, from 2:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.

But wait… there’s more! Blackwell Regional Library will also have an information table at Malcolm X Park on Juneteenth Day so stop by one and all, pick up some information, perhaps a giveaway or two, or just say "hi"!

And don’t forget, if you want to know what’s going on in the community or just want to be more informed about what interests you, stop by Blackwell Regional Library! You’ll find great reads; wonderful programs for children, teens, and adults; computer classes; community news; endless resources; and helpful staff!