06/19/2026
The Emancipation Proclamation, which legally declared enslaved people in Confederate-held territory to be free, had limited implementation when it was issued on January 1, 1863. Over the course of the next two years, Union troops brought news of freedom to enslaved people throughout the Confederacy, as many slaveholders refused to inform enslaved African Americans of the Proclamation or recognize its authority.
On June 19, 1865, Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas, and brought this news to one of the last large groups of enslaved people who had not yet learned of their freedom.
Though the Emancipation Proclamation did not erase the past, nor did it make the road toward equality easy, it marked a transformative step toward freedom for Black Americans.
For Black Americans, Juneteenth is a celebration of this first step toward equality, a reflection on how far civil rights have come, and a promise to continue fighting for equality.
Upper Cumberland Pride commemorates this momentous day of joy and reflection for a fellow marginalized community. Equality and equity are common goals shared by our communities.
We encourage you to come down to the Juneteenth Festival happening right now—and continuing until 5:30 PM—in Dogwood Park, Cookeville, TN. Enjoy some good food, wonderful music, and break bread with your neighbors!
