ArtsWestchester, with support from Westchester County government, has provided arts and cultural organizations in Westchester and Rockland counties with 16 grants, totaling $48,000, for their Juneteenth celebrations. While the festivities are month-long, Juneteenth itself is Wednesday, June 19, a federal holiday marking the anniversary of the actual end of slavery in the United States. (“Juneteenth” is a portmanteau of “June” and “nineteenth.”) It was on June 19, 1865, that Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger ordered the final enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation in Galveston, Texas, foreshadowing the oldest African American celebration.
Said Janet T. Langsam, ArtsWestchester CEO: “ArtsWestchester has been working with a coalition of 16 organizations, which are presenting celebrations of the historic Juneteenth holiday in conjunction with their local municipalities, including Yonkers, White Plains, Mount Kisco, Peekskill, Mount Vernon and others. We applaud the work of the Westchester and Rockland Juneteenth Coalition in bringing such diverse cultural activities to their counties.”
Added Westchester County Executive George Latimer: “Westchester County government is proud to partner with ArtsWestchester in commemoration of Juneteenth throughout the month of June. In Westchester, we embrace the principles of inclusivity and diversity and, in honor of Juneteenth, we come together to acknowledge the deep-rooted history of slavery and the lasting impact it has had on our communities. I invite all of our residents to come out and enjoy one of the many music or dance performances, activities or events the coalition has planned and use it as an opportunity to celebrate our shared humanity and continued work toward a more just and equitable society.”
A full calendar of Juneteenth celebrations presented by the grantees in Westchester and Rockland counties can be found here. https://artswestchester.org/juneteenth/
