It was the eve of January 1, 1863, better known as “Freedom’s Eve,” the first Watch Night services took place.



On that night, enslaved and free African Americans gathered in churches and private homes all across the country awaiting news that the Emancipation Proclamation had taken effect.


Become A Vendor

At the stroke of midnight, prayers were answered as all enslaved people in the Confederate States were declared legally free.



Union soldiers, many of whom were black, marched onto plantations and across cities in the south reading small copies of the Emancipation Proclamation and spreading the news of freedom in the Confederate States. Only through the Thirteenth Amendment did emancipation end slavery throughout the United States. But not everyone in Confederate territory would immediately be free. Even though the Emancipation Proclamation was made effective in 1863, it could not be implemented in places still under Confederate control.



As a result, in the westernmost Confederate state of Texas, enslaved people would not be free until much later. Freedom finally came on June 19, 1865, when some 2,000 Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas.



THE ARMY ANNOUNCED THAT THE MORE THAN 250,000 ENSLAVED BLACK PEOPLE IN THE STATE, WERE FREE BY EXECUTIVE DECREE.


Learn the History of Juneteenth

THIS DAY CAME TO BE KNOWN AS "JUNETEENTH," BY THE NEWLY FREED PEOPLE IN TEXAS.



Tucson Juneteenth Festival Inc.



OUR VISION



Bringing together communities and people of all backgrounds in celebration of our African American ancestors about the significance of this special day to ensure our future generations build on and continue the knowledge, education, and legacy for future generations to come. To plan the future of Juneteenth celebrations with imagination and wisdom..



Mission



To bring together people of all backgrounds in promoting the education, advocacy, and celebration of Juneteenth in Tucson.


  • 1. To cultivate a community of people of all backgrounds in a day (s) of unity to commemorate and celebrate Juneteenth and African American culture with musical performances, inspiring speakers, storytelling, cultural exhibits, religious observances, kid-zone, food vendors, etc..


  • 2. The primary mission of the Tucson Juneteenth Festival is to celebrate with the Tucson community the history of Juneteenth and preserve Juneteenth for future generations to come.


EDUCATE



  1. Work with key education stakeholders to ensure Juneteenth is present on their agenda
  2. Work with other groups similarly focused on preserving Juneteenth and Black history. ​


aDVOCATE



Juneteenth will welcome participation from all ethnic, cultural, political, and faith groups to participate and celebrate Juneteenth in a bipartisan manner.



2022 Kennedy Park TUcson Juneteenth FESTIVAL GALLERY




Buy Tickets to evelyn Champagne King
Donate Today

Tucson Juneteenth Festival Committee



Juneteenth Celebration represents a very important milestone in American History. When our nation finally and truly became the land of the free. June 19,


All Copyrights are Reserved to Tucson Juneteenth Festival Committee 501c(3). Website Design & Developed By. BBM PUBLISHING HOUSE


Complete and Submit Vendor Application