It was 1863 when the Emancipation Proclamation took effect, legally freeing all enslaved people in the United States...or so we thought.

At that time, Texas was still under confederate control so as a result, thousands of African American slaves wouldn't be free until June 19, 1865. That's when Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay to inform the slaves that the civil war ended and by executive decree, they were free.

It was on that day celebrations began for Juneteenth. And locally, leaders and organizers are preparing for a good time.

"We would just like to do all the things that they did when they discovered that they were free! you know," said Chawnelle Battle, a member of the Community Concerned Citizens II. "They danced and partied and ate and drank red kool-aid you know and just enjoyed their freedom," she said.

Now that it's a federal holiday, officials believe it'll bring more education and attention to black history and culture.

"I think that's gone be easier for us to be able to really teach them what Juneteenth was really about," said Corinne Williams, a member of the Community Concerned Citizens II.

"We don't wanna lose our culture, we wanna keep it integrated in our everyday life right now, but that we also want to make a plan for our future," said Joncquil Hope, Executive Director of Hope Community Services.

Leaders tell 21 news it's important to recognize and celebrate another group of people's independence and they look forward to doing it proudly for the entire weekend and in the years to come.

The Community Concerned Citizens II will be celebrating Juneteenth Friday, June 18
through Sunday, June 20.

Events will be held at Quinby Park located on Austin Avenue in Warren Ohio.

The three day event will feature several activities including:
Friday 5pm - music, 6pm - line dancing, 8:30pm - Outdoor movie "The Hate U Give" (advised to bring lawn chair)

Saturday 11am drive-by Parade (line up will be at Grace AME Church at 10 am,) 12pm - Juneteenth program, 3:30pm African apparel style show and 5 pm Poetry Slam (Ages 8-21)
There will also be a cake walk, vaccine clinic and free hotdogs for ages 10 years and under

Sunday 2-5 pm Free dinner, 4pm Tom Thumb Talent/Style show for ages 12 and under.

For other Juneteenth celebration events, you can visit youngstownjuneteenth.com