Juneteenth, short for “June Nineteenth”, marks the day when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas in 1865 to take control of the state and ensure that all enslaved people be freed. The troops’ arrival came a full two and a half years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation.
Juneteenth honors the end to slavery in the United States and is considered the longest-running African American holiday according to history.com
The Natchitoches City Council declared Friday, June 17 a legal City holiday. The City will have activities on two days.
There will be a Juneteenth celebration with basketball playoffs Friday, June 17 from 10 a.m.- 1 p.m. with the location to be announced. There will be a ceremony on the riverfront Saturday, June 18 from 5-9 p.m.
Gov. John Bel Edwards enacted Juneteenth as a holiday in Louisiana. The law passed in 2022 designates the third Saturday in June as Juneteenth Day. State offices will close the day before that Saturday.
Juneteenth National Independence Day is a US federal holiday and was signed into law by President Joe Biden June 17, 2021.
City of Natchitoches sponsored activities
Friday, June 17
9 -9:45 a.m.
Mayor Ronnie Williams Jr. will host a coffee social at the Breadhouse Nakatosh on Washington Street from 9-10 a.m. The event is an opportunity for residents to meet and mingle with the mayor and other community members while enjoying brunch at one of Natchitoches’ homegrown restaurants.
10 a.m. until
Basketball Play-offs
Natchitoches Jr. High Gym
Summer League Jamboree
with games
5-8 p.m.
Ben Johnson Park 624 MLK Drive
Student art on display and for sale
Speakers on true meaning of Juneteenth
Voter Registration
Free refreshments and entertainment
Fun for all ages
Saturday, June 18
5-9 p.m.
Freedom Festival on the Cane
Natchitoches Riverbank
Featuring Tanner Holden, DJ Chris
On Point Band
Kid Zone with bouncy house and obstacle course
Fireworks
Food Trucks
