A NORTHWEST ARKANSAS CELEBRATION

    The University of Arkansas and the NWA Juneteenth Planning Committee invite the community, friends and family to celebrate our annual Northwest Arkansas Juneteenth Celebrations, which commemorate the anniversary of African American emancipation. Celebrating 29 years of Culture in NWA

    2025 JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION
    Saturday June 21st
    1 pm – 5 pm
    University of Arkansas Gardens

    The celebration will take place Downtown Springdale Square on June 21st from 1 pm-5:00 pm! This event is FREE to the public! We’ll have lots of fun with live music, games, giveaways, and activities for the whole family!!

    NWA is gearing up for 2025 Juneteenth celebration! As a federal holiday, Juneteenth commemorates the full emancipation of enslaved African Americans. Local organizations are planning a special way to observe Juneteenth this year.

    This event is free and open to the public!

    For up to date information, visit our Facebook event page: NWA Celebrating Juneteenth

    Volunteering at Juneteenth Celebration

    Individuals are needed to assist with this event. If you would like to volunteer the day of the event, complete the following:

    Volunteer Registration form

    Foundation Sponsors

    Event Sponsors

    What is Juneteenth?

    Dating back to 1865, it was on June 19th that Major General Gordon Granger and the Union soldiers landed at Galveston, Texas with news that the war had ended and the enslaved were now free.

    Note that this was two and a half years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, which had become official January 1, 1863.

    The Emancipation Proclamation had little impact on the Texans due to the minimal number of Union troops to enforce the new Executive Order. However, with the surrender of General Lee in April of 1865 and the arrival of General Granger’s regiment, the forces were finally strong enough to influence and overcome the resistance.

    Juneteenth today celebrates African American freedom and achievement while encouraging continuous self-development and respect for all cultures. As it takes on a more national, symbolic and even global perspective, the events of 1865 in Texas are not forgotten, for all of the roots tie back to this fertile soil from which a national day of pride is growing. For more information visit: 

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