(COLORADO SPRINGS) — It’s Juneteenth, and celebrations are underway across Southern Colorado. On June 19 in 1865, some of the last slaves finally learned about the Emancipation Proclamation. Juneteenth is also commonly known as Freedom Day.

Event organizers stress that it’s a holiday for all Americans to celebrate, regardless of their skin color.

“I’m just happy to see all kinds of people here together, and just excited and grateful that we can come together peacefully and celebrate freedom,” said Cheryl Farmer, an attendee at the Juneteenth celebration at Panorama Park in Colorado Springs.

The Juneteenth celebration at Panorama Park included poetry performances,
speakers, food trucks, vendors, and music. The event was well attended by a diverse group of people.

“It’s so much better than I thought. You know, I just wanted to come to experience it, and it exceeded my expectations. It really did. I mean, everybody’s so calm, so kind, and it’s just a community of togetherness,” said Farmer.

It’s a day to celebrate freedom, but also a call to action. Reflecting on the past and working toward greater equality.

“We are all human, and that’s all that matters,” said Doriena Longmire, Event Planner and Emcee, “We need to learn to treat each other as such. No matter what you look like, where you come from, or the way you dress.”

The Juneteenth events in Southern Colorado continue to grow in size each year, as more and more people learn about the holiday that was only made federal in 2021.

“More [people] than what I expected this year. So, yeah, this is great. This is awesome. Just to meet so many different people. You know, this community is just coming together, it’s just wonderful,” said Katrina Reuben, another attendee at Panorama Park.

Building community through events like these, full of fun for the whole family.

If you missed today’s celebrations, it’s not too late to join in on the fun. You can find events that are taking place throughout the weekend on FOX21 News.