Dozens of Rallies, Marches, Events Planned in DC Area for Juneteenth

Amid social unrest over racial injustice, dozens of Juneteenth marches, protests, rallies and other events are planned for Friday in the D.C. area.

Juneteenth — also known as Black Independence Day, Emancipation Day, Freedom Day, Juneteenth Independence Day or Juneteenth National Freedom Day — commemorates June 19, 1865, the day many enslaved people in Texas learned they had been freed. It was the last state to receive news of the Emancipation Proclamation.

The recent deaths of George Floyd, Rayshard Brooks, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery have renewed the push to make Juneteenth a national holiday.

People were already downtown early Friday, gearing up for a day of demonstrations.

"Our event today is accomplishing not only the remembrance of our ancestors, but also of those that have passed away recently and in the past," one participant said.

There are a lot of marches and rallies for Juneteenth Friday. Protesters told News4’s Shomari Stone it’s refreshing Juneteenth is finally getting long overdue recognition.

Demonstrators across the region are planning for a full day of events.

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There is a peaceful march scheduled for 10 a.m. called #Ward8Matters starting at Martin Luther King Ave SE. At noon, a freedom walk will take place in front of the African American Civil War Museum.

There is expected to be a 19 for 19 March in Malcolm X Park at 3 p.m. and a Million Moe March at 4 p.m. in Black Lives Matter Plaza.

Amid nationwide protests to end racial injustice in America, more people are aware of Juneteenth than ever. The holiday is mostly observed in Southern states. It marks the day that slaves in Texas learned they were free. News4's Meagan Fiztgerald has a closer look at the history of Juneteenth.

Here is a rundown of some of the activities planned: