ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) — Community members gathered for the City of Albany and Dougherty County’s annual Juneteenth celebration. The event featured live music, games for children, free food and remarks from several local leaders.

The Albany Civic Center was filled with families celebrating Juneteenth through music, fellowship and activities for all ages. The holiday commemorates June 19, 1865, when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, learned they were free, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation.

Community member Nellie Garner said the event was about honoring the sacrifices of those who came before.

“It’s an awesome celebration of freedom for us. You know, as being African Americans. And I’m just so grateful and so thankful that our ancestors paid the price for us to be at this moment, at this day and time. I’m glad to see that others are able to just dedicate this day, and hopefully they are doing that to just celebrating and rejoicing,”

Leaders said Juneteenth is not only a time to remember the past but also an opportunity to celebrate the progress made and continue conversations about unity and equality.

Throughout the afternoon, families enjoyed entertainment, children’s activities and performances while learning more about the holiday’s historical significance.

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