COVINGTON, Ky. — June 19, 1865 is a big day to many. It’s the day that slaves in Texas received word of their freedom.

“We were denied our freedom, if you will, because the news just didn’t get to them and people took advantage of that situation so it symbolizes the fact of freedom,” Richard Tyler, president of the Northern Kentucky Juneteenth committee, said. “Freedom. Freedom. Freedom.”

They held their festival in Covington on Saturday. A parade kicked off their festivities as they made their way down through the city.

Lisa and Ernest Tate sold some gear at the event and said it’s a big day.

“It’s freedom for us,” Lisa Tate said. “It’s just an important day that we need to celebrate.”

Juneteenth became recognized as a federal holiday in 2021. Covington city officials have voted in the past to recognize Juneteenth as a city holiday.

Also taking place on Saturday was a Juneteenth celebration hosted by the “Fatherhood Program” of the Northern Kentucky Community Action Commission, in partnership with St. Elizabeth Healthcare. They also had festivities and resources for people.

“The old saying says it takes a village for us to really come together, bring all the resources together so people know what is accessible to them so they can move to wherever they want to be,” Catrena Bowman, executive director of the Northern Kentucky Community Action Commission, said. “We all just want life, liberty and pursuit of happiness, so when we’re able to come together, we’re able to give those resources to the families so they can obtain that.”

Saturday was a chance to bring people together and connect them with resources that can help. 

City Hall will be closed on Monday in observance of the holiday.