Juneteenth, also known as Juneteenth Independence Day or Freedom Day, is an American holiday that commemorates the June 19, 1865, announcement of the abolition of slavery in the U.S. state of Texas, and more generally the emancipation of enslaved African-Americans throughout the former Confederacy of the southern United States.   This announcement came 2 1/2 years after The Emancipation Proclamation ended slavery.  

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On June 18, 2016, The HAAC held the first Juneteenth celebration in Haverstraw .  The weekend started with the  raising the African American flag at village hall, followed by a parade, music, food, performers, speakers and  storytelling that focused on the contributions of African Americans from  Haverstraw.