Hundreds Join New Hampshire's Largest Juneteenth Celebration in Portsmouth as U.S. Marks 1865 Emancipation Announcement
Updated
Updated · WMUR Manchester · Jun 19
Hundreds Join New Hampshire's Largest Juneteenth Celebration in Portsmouth as U.S. Marks 1865 Emancipation Announcement
3 articles · Updated · WMUR Manchester · Jun 19
Summary
Hundreds gathered in Portsmouth on Friday for New Hampshire's largest Juneteenth celebration, marking the June 19, 1865 announcement that ended slavery in Texas.
The event began with a freedom walk from Kittery, Maine, to Portsmouth's African Burial Ground Memorial, followed by prayers, unity messages and African drumming and dance.
JerriAnne Boggis of the Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire said the day affirms that Black Americans are central to the country's story, while attendees said the history must be remembered and taught.
U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen said New Hampshire, like the South, has its own history tied to segregation and slavery that is often overlooked.
Organizers said this year's observance carries added weight as the nation approaches the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, underscoring that many Black Americans were still enslaved in 1776.