To commemorate the end of the legal enslavement of Black Americans in the United States, Juneteenth was observed on June 19 with cheers and jubilation, as well as reflections on racial injustice.
Reuters coverage featured celebrations that took place just days after President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris signed a bill making June the 19th a federally recognized holiday, just over a year after the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis ignited nationwide protests for racial justice and for ending police brutality. A Reuters video captured the historic signing.
In Galveston, Texas, Reuters photographer Adrees Latif captured Houston resident Prescylia Mae singing during a re-enactment march of the emancipation proclamation celebrations outside of Reedy Chapel.
Chris Aluka Berry photographed Ubunibi-Afia Short portraying Nancy, who in 1820 was enslaved to Elihu Embree and was the editor of abolitionist newspaper “The Emancipator,” on the grounds of the Embree House Historic Farm, said to be part of the Underground Railroad, in Telford, Tennessee.
In Minneapolis, Minnesota, people visited George Floyd Square on Juneteenth, photographed by Nicholas Pfosi.
Jeenah Moon photographed people holding signs on the Brooklyn Bridge, in observation of Juneteenth in New York City.
Photojournalist Ken Cedeno captured Alison Lane gesturing as she celebrated Juneteenth in Washington, D.C.
Dancers from the Deninufay African Drum and Dance company performed during the first annual Gullah Juneteenth Freedom Celebration in Charleston, South Carolina, photographed by Zakiyyah Woods.
A Reuters video highlighted the celebrations taking place, from marching bands sparking loud cheers to quieter observations on racial justice as well as crowds gathering on Saturday to mark Juneteenth.
For more Reuters coverage on Juneteenth and on the movement against racial injustice across pictures, text and video, visit Reuters Connect.
[Reuters PR blog post]
deepal . patadia @thomsonreuters.com