The City of Yonkers kicked off a series of celebrations for Juneteenth.

One event was a flag presentation at Yonkers City Hall.

"It’s a great day for us, it’s going to be a fantastic weekend. Let's enjoy it, let's celebrate freedom and let's do it together,” said Mayor Mike Spano.

The colors red, black and green on the flag each have special significance. The red signifies the blood shed on the pathway to freedom. The black stripe stands for the soil of a proud nation, and green represents the prosperity of Africa and its people.

Yonkers resident Edward Degree says the holiday is all about community togetherness.

"Hopefully, every time we can invite more people. The crowd gets larger, and people spend more time together and get to know one another and respect each other,” he said.

Another event was a tribute to Black Music Month near the Yonkers train station. It featured live performances of traditional songs, a public reading of the Emancipation Proclamation and readings of works by noted Black writers.

Yonkers Riverfront library also held a celebration featuring music.

"I think it’s a great celebration, and it’s good that they have it on the map now. It’s a celebration for Black American culture,” said resident Irma Baker.

Yonkers is also hosting a Juneteenth parade on Saturday. It starts at 1 p.m. on Dock Street near the DMV.