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Juneteenth: Freedom, family, food and festivities at Wyandanch Public Library

Aside from history lessons and honoring the past, there was also plenty of vendors, southern cooking lessons and samples. Organizers said it was all a great way to connect with residents on this special day.

News 12 Staff

Jun 18, 2022, 9:38 PM

Updated 886 days ago

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Early Juneteenth celebrations got underway Saturday at the Wyandanch Public Library.
The library wanted to mix fun with education about the important day.
"It's a celebration of art and culture, and I like to say the 4 Fs: Freedom, family, food and festivities," said Library Board President Ghenya Grant.
It was on June 19, 1865 that the Union army told the last remaining slaves in Texas that they were free.
Last year, President Joe Biden signed legislations to make Juneteenth a federal holiday.
Families came to the festival for the fun and to experience some history. Some even got a chance to touch shackles used to bind the arms and legs of slaves.
Aside from history lessons and honoring the past, there was also plenty of vendors, southern cooking lessons and samples. Organizers said it was all a great way to connect with residents on this special day.
"It gives us an opportunity to engage, talk, teach all of our community residents here," Grant said.
Because this year's Juneteenth falls on a Sunday, the federal holiday will be on Monday.