Juneteenth is one of the oldest African-American observances. It celebrates the day slaves in Florida and some other states learned -- many months later -- that slavery had ended with the penning of the Emancipation Proclamation.

The celebration, held in mid June, includes a Candle Light Vigil, a Family Funfest day and Musical Extravaganza.

For more information, please contact coordinator Jeanie Blue at Juneteenth of Tampa Bay, Inc., P.O. Box 1153, St. Petersburg, FL 33733.

Juneteenth Day

-- Photos by Jay Sokolovsky, professor of Anthropology, USF

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