'Emancipation Jubilation': 3rd Annual Danbury Juneteenth Celebration

**News Release Submitted by Danbury Juneteenth Coalition**

April 30, 2024

The city’s 3rd annual installation of Danbury Juneteenth will be celebrated on Saturday, June 15th from 12-5PM at Western Connecticut State University (WCSU), Midtown Campus on 181 White Street, exemplifying the theme that garnered the most votes by Danbury residents* -- Emancipation Jubilation: Honoring Our Past. Celebrating Our Future."

Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the abolition of slavery in the United States. It was on June 19, 1865, two and a half years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation became official on January 1, 1863, that the Union soldiers led by Major General Gordon Granger, landed at Galveston, Texas with news that the war had ended and the enslaved were now free. Advancing to 2021, the United States Senate voted unanimously on a resolution that officially established June 19th as an American federal holiday, observed annually as “Juneteenth National Independence Day.”

“Juneteenth represents a pivotal moment in American history, and it's crucial to recognize and celebrate the resilience and contributions of African Americans to our community and society at large,” says Glenda Armstrong, President, Greater Danbury NAACP. “Through events like the Danbury Juneteenth Celebration and other multi-cultural festivities held in the city of Danbury, which is now ranked a Top 10 diverse city in the nation, we honor our past while paving the way for a brighter and hopefully more inclusive and equitable future." To bring awareness and rejoice in the rich history of this holiday and to uplift the extraordinary contributions made by African Americans, the Danbury Juneteenth Coalition has produced an exciting community affair with a roster of activities for the entire family to enjoy – both young and seasoned.

There will be live entertainment provided by The Rahsaan Langley Project (TRLP), one of Connecticut’s premier R&B bands and this year’s musical headliner, all day music by D.J. Juan Coon of 94.3 WYBC Radio Station as well as other local artists, gospel choirs, dancers and performers incl. returning hip hop artist D.J. Gaines, a Step Show & Stroll Showcase featuring members of the Divine 9 Fraternities and Sororities, with more being added. The Danbury Museum will once again sponsor the Juneteenth Exhibit and Walking Tour as featured Cultural & Historical Activities, with The Cultural Alliance of Western Connecticut curating an Artists & Artisans Market to provide an artisanal experience for the community and local artists and artisans the opportunity to exhibit their work to its best advantage. Across from the main stage will be a Wellness Center & Health Fair providing FREE health care screenings, Kids Corner with children’s activities (e.g., arts & crafts, ballooning, book giveaways, face painting, storytelling by reknown children’s book authors, etc.), local vendor & resource stations with merchandise for sale as well as educational resources (e.g., employment opportunities), a variety of food trucks and so much more!

“The Danbury Juneteenth Celebration embodies the spirit of unity and progress in our community. As we come together to commemorate freedom and equality, we reaffirm our steadfast commitment to fostering racial justice and inclusivity at Western Connecticut State University and beyond,” declared Danielle King, Executive Board Member, WCSU Racial Justice Coalition. “Therefore, we are pleased to continue our strategic partnership with the Danbury Juneteenth Coalition as a gold-tier sponsor and to once again host the Annual Juneteenth Celebration on our campus.”

Admission is FREE and open to the public. For those interested in performing, volunteering, becoming a vendor or corporate sponsor, please contact the Danbury Juneteenth Coalition at [email protected] or on Facebook @DanburyJuneteenth.