Worcester’s Annual
Black Heritage Juneteenth Festival
Commemorating the freedom of enslaved people
in Galveston, TX on June 19, 1865
What is Juneteenth:
Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States. Dating back to 1865, it was on June 19th that the Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, landed at Galveston, Texas with news that the war had ended and that all enslaved people in the United States of America were now free. Note that this was two and a half years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation- which had become official on January 1, 1863. To mark the anniversary of their liberation and honor the two additional years of slave labor endured by enslaved people in Texas, our ancestors celebrated Juneteenth, also called Freedom Day and Emancipation Day. Many African Americans celebrated Juneteenth in the same way that white Americans generally celebrate the Fourth of July.
THE 2025 BLACK HERITAGE JUNTEENTH FESTIVAL
Thank you to the following sponsors who contributed to the 2026 festival:
Get Involved with the Juneteenth Festival!
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There are many ways to contribute to the Juneteenth Festival! The financial support of individuals, businesses, and organizations helps us keep this important community event each year!
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Every year we have a variety of local entertainers perform on our main stage! This is a great way for artists to gain performance experience and share what they do with the community.
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Artists, agencies, food and other vendors make our festival all the more rich and exciting! We welcome all who are interested in joining us!
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The Black Heritage Juneteenth Festival Committee is always looking for volunteers to assist with set-up, breakdown, and other tasks on the day of the festival. We welcome individuals and groups to share their time and efforts with us!
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We are always looking for dedicated folks who care about keeping the history of Juneteenth alive and want to be a part of the planning of the festival! Reach out if you are interested in learning more or joining the Black Heritage Juneteenth Committee!
