Juneteenth Celebration 2024

Juneteenth, the oldest known commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States, traces back to 1865. On June 19th of that year, Union soldiers under Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, bearing news of the war's end and the liberation of the enslaved. Remarkably, this occurred two and a half years after President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation of January 1, 1863, which had minimal impact in Texas due to the scarcity of Union troops to enforce it. However, with General Lee's surrender in April 1865 and the subsequent arrival of General Granger's regiment, the forces became robust enough to overcome resistance and effect change.

Join us in celebrating Juneteenth with the African American Center for Cultural Development of Olean. Experience fantastic music, delectable food, and joyous festivities for all. Please be aware that this event will take place at Bethany Lutheran Church in Olean, not at the African American Center for Cultural Development.

Don't forget to bring a lawn chair!