A Juneteenth festival was held Friday night in the parking lot next to Main Street School in Irvington.

Local restaurant Orchestra X hosted the event, helping the community pay tribute to the end of slavery in the country. 

Juneteenth dates back to June 19, 1865 when Gen. Gordon Granger rode into Galveston, Texas and announced that enslaved people were free. However, that announcement came more than two and a half years after President Abraham Lincoln had issued the Emancipation Proclamation.

About 100 people participated in traditional music and dances on stage while practicing social distancing.

Jamaican and African cuisine was provided for attendees to eat. There was also unique artwork on display.

 

Members of St. Barnabas Church, which is sponsoring the festival, say it was a great way to combine a celebration of African American arts and culture as well as educating people about the importance of Juneteenth.

"Right now, nationally, we're becoming more and more aware of what we need to do to support our African American brothers and sisters, and this is one small way that St. Barnabas Church can lend its support to sponsor this event," says Rev. Gareth Evans.