Commemorating freedom: Project S.T.O.RY hosts Juneteenth celebration

Chania Uwase, 7, and Adolfina Kisembe, 14, wait as the Juneteenth celebration at Keach Park gets organized on Th ursday, June 19, 2025. GEOFF FORESTER—Monitor staff

PROJECT Story co-director Charm Emiko unpacks food for the Juneteenth celebration at Keach Park on Thursday, June 19, 2025. GEOFF FORESTER—Monitor staff

Chania Unase, 7, helps PROJECT Story co-director Charm Emiko unpack the food for the Juneteenth celebration at Keach Park on Thursday, June 19, 2025. GEOFF FORESTER—Monitor staff

Published: 06-20-2025 1:27 PM

Juneteenth marks the end of slavery in the United States with the emancipation of enslaved people in Galveston, Texas on June 19, 1865 following the conclusion of the Civil War. The Emancipation Proclamation had been issued two-and-a-half years prior but its enactment had not yet reached the 250,000 people living in enslavement in this area of the U.S.

June 19th, or Juneteenth, became a national holiday in 2021.

To commemorate the day, Concord-based youth empowerment organization Project S.T.O.R.Y. held a cookout at Keach Park. Check out these scenes from the Juneteenth celebration.