Benton Juneteenth News Today

We take a look at the history, tradition and culture of Juneteenth. Here's where you can find events in Central Arkansas to celebrate the holiday.

"Were a little bit larger this year. Last year, we had about 3,000-3,600 people; this year, were expecting to have about 5,000 people," says Anthony Ball, vice president of Music Moves. The nonprofit hosts the third annual Freedom Festival Saturday in Springdale.

The Mosaic Templars Cultural Center, 501 W. Ninth St., Little Rock, hosts its 14th Juneteenth celebration, "Juneteenth in Da Rock," starting with the Juneteenth Flag Raising Ceremony, 10:30 a.m. today.

Celebrations across the state mark Juneteenth, proclaimed a federal holiday in 2021 and marking the date — June 19, 1865 — that Union soldiers landed at Galveston, Texas, with news that the Civil War had ended and that enslaved people in that state were officially free.

People in Arkansas are finding ways to combine the tragic history with the celebration of true freedom with events, festivals, and lessons.