Pelham Bay Park in the Bronx was the host for the second annual Juneteenth Family Day. The event was put together by local organizations to help bring the community together. 

On this day in 1865, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed by President Abraham Lincoln, Gen. Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas informing the last group of enslaved people that they were freed.

Shanell Goring, curator and CEO at Bronx Poetry, Canvas Culture LLC says, “Juneteenth is not just a Black holiday.” 

“The more we realize how important this day is for everyone, we’ll bring each other a little bit closer and see the humanity amongst us,” says Goring. 

Families were able to enjoy activities like arts and crafts, face painting, live performances and yoga. 

All of the activities were free of charge. Donations were being accepted. Organizers tell News 12 they cannot wait to make the event even bigger next year.