Washington County 5th Annual FREEDOM DAY Juneteenth Celebration
West Bend, WI – In recognition of the oldest known celebration of the ending of slavery, Washington County is hosting its 5th annual Juneteenth celebration of Freedom Day on Wednesday, June 19, 2024, at the Boys & Girls Club of Washington County. The county is partnering with the Boys & Girls Club of Washington County to cohost the event.
Juneteenth became a federal holiday in June 2021 and commemorates the ending of slavery in the United States. The event dates to June 19, 1865, when Union soldiers arrived at Galveston, Texas, with news that the war had ended and that the enslaved were free. This was more than two years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, which had become official January 1, 1863.
“We began the Juneteenth celebration in Washington County not only to remember the difficult history of enslavement in the United States, but to provide an opportunity for our great community to celebrate its significance together. Knowing the history of the holiday allows us to build connections and understanding,” said County Executive Josh Schoemann.
The Juneteenth flag will be flown at the 11 Washington County government buildings to recognize the holiday.
In addition to County Executive Schoemann’s proclamation, the Juneteenth celebration of Freedom Day will feature:
- Invocation - Pastor Clarissa Martinelli – Fifth Avenue United Methodist Church
- Emcee: Bill Brewer – Community Leader
- Singers – National Anthem – Boys & Girls Club of Washington County
Lift Every Voice and Sing – Noelle Braun, Executive Director Downtown West Bend Association
- Speakers: Community Leaders: Jamiroquan Kittler and Tiffany Koehler
- Closing and Benediction – Pastor Ryan LaTour – Kettlebrook Church
- Entertainment: Nei Phi Neph Marching Knights Drumline, Milwaukee – Director, Anthony Hibbler
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, June 19, 2024 – 11AM
LOCATION: Boys & Girls Club of Washington County Prescott Center
925 N. Silverbrook Drive, West Bend
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