Juneteenth celebration at Ralph Bunche Park

On June 19, 1865, federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas to declare the slaves in the south free under the terms of the 1862 Emancipation Proclamation.

While Abraham Lincoln had signed the executive order two and a half years earlier, those enslaved in the south were unaware of their freedoms.

For 156 years, June 19 has been deemed "Juneteenth," and has been widely celebrated by many.

While Texas was the first state to recognize it as a holiday, the state of Arkansas recognized Juneteenth as a holiday in 2005. As of 2021, all but two states recognize the holiday. But on

June 15, the Senate unanimously passed a resolution to establish June 19 as "Juneteenth National Independence Day, a US holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States."

The bill passed in the House on June 16, and President Biden signed it into effect on June 17.

Evelyn Reed, Benton

Alderman and Central Arkansas Development Council program manager, is planning a Juneteenth celebration at the Ralph Bunche Park in Benton from 3-6 p.m..

The celebration will be picnic style, with free food, music and yard games for everyone. There will also be free health screenings provided by the Saline Health System.

"It's a family friendly celebration," Reed said. “Kind of like the Fourth of July, but it's celebrating the end of slavery."

Reed is hopeful that these celebrations across the nation will help others to "truthfully acknowledge a period in our history that shaped and continue to influence our society today."

Because they were unable to celebrate last year due to COVID19, Reed is excited for the turnout this year.

"It's a time of reflection and rejoicing," Reed said. "Join us as we celebrate history, culture and diversity."