Christopher Saul

Christopher Saul

Midbaynews.com

The cities of Fort Walton Beach and Crestview will host events to highlight Juneteenth. Juneteenth is a federal holiday which commemorates the event that took place in 1865 near Galveston where United States Soldiers freed the last enslaved people in the rebellious states post e American Civil War. Annual celebrations of Juneteenth began in Texas in 1866 and continue around the country to this day.ย 

Juneteenth became a federal holiday in 2021, when President Joe Biden issued a proclamation for federal agencies to recognize the holiday. โ€œJuneteenth is a day of weight and power,โ€ President Biden said in the proclamation. He continued,ย ย 

โ€œBut it is a day that also reminds us of our incredible capacity to heal, hope, and emerge from our darkest moments with purpose and resolve.

As I said on the 100th Anniversary of the Tulsa Race Massacre, great nations donโ€™t ignore the most painful chapters of their past. Great nations confront them.ย  We come to terms with them.

On Juneteenth, we recommit ourselves to the work of equity, equality, and justice.ย  And, we celebrate the centuries of struggle, courage, and hope that have brought us to this time of progress and possibility.ย  That work has been led throughout our history by abolitionists and educators, civil rights advocates and lawyers, courageous activists and trade unionists, public officials, and everyday Americans who have helped make real the ideals of our founding documents for all.โ€

Juneteenth Graphic Banner
Juneteenth is celebrated on June 19th.

Crestview Juneteenth Events.ย 

The City of Crestview will host a Juneteenth Celebration on June 20th at the Old Spanish Trail Park. Events will start at 11am and go until dark.ย 

Included in the days event:ย 

  • Food Vendorsย 
  • Performances by DJ Mike Iceย 
  • Historical Re-enactmentsย 
  • A Mass Choir
  • Games

Additionally, the city will sponsor a guided walk through on history 11am-1pm.ย 

Fort Walton Beach Juneteenth Events

Fort Walton Beach will also host Juneteenth events for families. On June 18th, between 11am-7pm there will be musical performances by:

  • DJ 1K
  • DJ Bama
  • DJ Nikkoย 
  • DJ OOO WEE
  • DJ Hustlle
  • DJ Bottle Bash
  • DJ Tev
  • DJ Zach Allen

A bouncy house and face painting will be on site for kids to enjoy as well. The event takes place at the Fort Walton Beach Landing, 139 Brooks Street Southeast, Fort Walton Beach, Florida.ย 

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