On July 4, 1776, colonists declared independence from Great Britain — but not all were free. The year before the signing of the Declaration of Independence, about 20% of colonists were enslaved. Virginia had the largest enslaved population.
Slavery ended for some with the Emancipation Proclamation of 1863. On June 19, 1865, the enslaved of Galveston, Texas, some of the last to hear of the proclamation, learned that they had been freed. Slavery across the U.
S. was abolished with the 13th Amendment at the end of 1865, but June 19 — Juneteenth — would be celebrated as America’s second Independence Day. Juneteenth is now a federal and state holiday.
Several Juneteenth activities will be held during the next two weeks, with most this weekend and Wednesday. Schedules are subject to change, so check before you go. ___ VBGIGs with VAACC in the ViBe: Celebrating Juneteenth.
9 a.m. to noon Saturday.
Concert featuring performers from the Virginia African American Cultural Center. Virginia Beach Globally Inspired Gatherings, or VBGIGs, is a free or low-cost performance series presented by the city. ViBe Creative District outdoor stage.
Free. culture.virginiabeach.
gov/events Juneteenth Festival in the Park. Noon to 6:30 p.m.
Saturday. Lunch, live music, health, financial and career education exhibits. Town Point Park, Norfolk.
Free. Freedom Fest at Freedom Park. 1 to 5 p.
m. Saturday. Live music, readings, performances and a presentation on the holiday’s history.
5537 Centerville.