Join us for the Juneteenth — National Independence Day — Celebration 2022! The theme is “Honoring our Heritage: Forging the Future.” Come help us build connections in the community and bear out our 8th Principle by showing our support for the past and future of African Americans. Admission is free and open to the public.
When: Sunday, June 19th from 12-5PM
Where: Western Connecticut State University (WCSU), Midtown Campus
181 White Street, Danbury, CT 06810
Free Parking is available at the garage across White Street or around the corner on 5th Ave.
– Rahsaan Langley, one of Connecticut’s premier R&B singers
– live entertainment by DJ Frank Stewart
– music and dance performances by local artists, including hip hop artist DeAndre “D.J.” Gaines
– Cultural & historical activities featuring a Juneteenth Exhibit and Walking Tour by the Danbury Museum
– “Liberation” Cultural Art Gallery Exhibit, sponsored by the Cultural Alliance of Western CT
– Panel Discussion featuring leaders from education, the arts, the nonprofit sector, corporate and community leaders
– Wellness Center providing FREE COVID-19 vaccinations and health screenings
– Kids Corner with children’s activities
– Food trucks and local vendors
and so much more!
Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the abolition of slavery in the United States.

Dating back to 1865, it was on June 19th that the Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, landed at Galveston, Texas with news that the war had ended and that the enslaved were now free. This was two and a half years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation – which had become official January 1, 1863. Fast-forward to 2021, in a great example of bi-partisanship the United States Senate voted unanimously on a resolution to make Juneteenth an American federal holiday. The Senate resolution officially establishes June 19th as “Juneteenth National Independence Day.” The day after the Senate passed the resolution, the United States House of Representatives also approved the resolution and President Biden signed the bill into law. In an effort to recognize and celebrate the rich history of this holiday and to highlight the extraordinary contributions made by African Americans to the community, the Danbury Juneteenth Coalition is planning a fun-filled day for the entire family – both young and old.

The Danbury Juneteenth Coalition includes The Greater Danbury NAACP, the WCSU Racial Justice
Coalition, Salt & Light Ministries and other community organizations and residents.