It's more than just a day off; Juneteenth is a time to reflect.
NEW BRITAIN, Conn. — Across Connecticut, cities and towns gathered to honor Juneteenth, a day that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. In New Britain, the celebration took on a special meaning as the city hosted its fourth Annual Juneteenth Freedom Festival. The vibrant event brought people together to reflect on history and celebrate Black culture, with music, dance, and education at the heart of the festivities.
Juneteenth is more than just a day off from work—it's a time to remember the struggles and triumphs of African Americans throughout history. This powerful message was evident at the event, where attendees were encouraged to reflect on the significance of the day while also looking toward the future.
“It's so impactful for the city of New Britain to understand the benefit of Juneteenth and what it means to us as a people," said Jan Edwards, President of the New Britain Chapter of the NAACP.
Held at New Britain’s Central Park, the event featured music, dancing, and plenty of family-friendly activities to honor Juneteenth. The day marks the historic moment when enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, learned they were free, over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed and two months after the end of the Civil War.
Edwards said it is essential for everyone to understand the significance of this moment in history.
"Everyone should understand our history, to understand our future and where we're going," said Edwards.
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For New Britain residents Ayan Henry and Layla Uqdah Jennings, learning and acknowledging the past is a deeply important endeavor.
"To learn what happened to our ancestors and how we fought to live in this country," Henry shared, expressing the importance of education in preserving the legacy of Juneteenth.
Uqdah Jennings, echoing this sentiment, emphasized the necessity of knowing history in order to educate others.
"You really need to know your history to be able to tell people who don't know," she said.
The Juneteenth Freedom Festival offered an evening of activities for the whole family. From live music performances to educational exhibits, attendees had the opportunity to learn about Juneteenth and experience the richness of Black culture.
Tangela Flowers, a New Britain resident, expressed her gratitude for the celebration.
“That’s part of who we are. We gotta keep this stuff going on for our ancestors,” she said, highlighting the importance of continuing the legacy of Juneteenth for future generations.
The celebration didn’t end with Thursday’s festivities. On Saturday, the New Britain Museum of American Art will continue the celebration with performances, gallery experiences, and artmaking courses, offering even more opportunities for the community to engage with the culture and history surrounding Juneteenth.
Juneteenth 2025 in New Britain was more than just a local event; it was a moment for reflection, unity, and cultural pride—a celebration of freedom and an opportunity to look forward to a brighter future.
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