(SPECTRUM NEWS)-- Juneteenth is an annual holiday observed in many U.S. states celebrating the end of slavery. June 19, 1865, was the day slaves in Texas learned they’d been emancipated. It was more than two years after President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation.

The day is formally recognized and celebrated in 47 states and the District of Columbia.

Wisconsin in 2009 became the 32nd state to recognize Juneteenth. Tony Kearney, Executive Director of Northcott Neighborhood House talked with us about how Wisconsinites celebrated. "It's not just an African American day, it's an American day," said Kearney.