On June 19, 1865, the Union Army made its way into Galveston under the guidance of General Gordon Granger, where he announced to the people of Texas that all enslaved African Americans were free.
Texas was the last bastion for slavery during the final days of the Civil War, marking a significant achievement in United State’s history, following President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation two years earlier.
More than 100 years later, the county celebrates this day as a national holiday known as Juneteenth, commemorating the end of slavery.
Residents from all over Northern Kentucky honored the rich and historic heritage of Juneteenth with music, delicious food and quality time with friends.
Click through our gallery to view all of the festivities we saw this week.
A vibrant sign welcomes guests to the Florence Nature Park for their Juneteenth celebration. Hailey Roden | LINK nky 
A young man shakes hands and meets an officer from the Florence Police Department at Florence Nature Park’s Juneteenth event. Hailey Roden | LINK nky 
A woman recites a poem at the Covington Juneteenth event on Saturday. Hailey Roden | LINK nky 
Local high school student and Florence’s Mr. Juneteenth recites a poem at the Juneteenth talent show at the Lincoln-Grant Scholar House. Hailey Roden | LINK nky 
Visitors walk around to see some of the vendors at the Covington Juneteenth event on Saturday. Hailey Roden | LINK nky 
Dashai Thompson, co-founder of the For Family By Family Organization, talks about Juneteenth’s significance at the Florence Nature Park event. Hailey Roden | LINK nky 
Spectators brave the heat to listen to those speaking at the podium at the Covington Juneteenth event on Saturday. Hailey Roden | LINK nky 
A DJ spins live music for those walking around the Lincoln-Grant Scholar House at their Juneteenth celebration and talent show. Hailey Roden | LINK nky 
Children and family members keep cool with ice pools and water toys at the Florence Nature Park. Hailey Roden | LINK nky 
Audience members watch in anticipation as the judges announce the winner of the talent show at the Lincoln-Grant Scholar House. Hailey Roden | LINK nky