Tri-State communities celebrate Juneteenth, some for the first time [Video]

CINCINNATI — A rainy Monday didn’t stop people from celebrating Juneteenth. Some cities in the Tri-State hosted ceremonies for the very first time.

The holiday marks the emancipation of slaves in the United States. In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln signed the emancipation proclamation-ending slavery in the U.S., but news of liberation slowly spread across the south. It took more than two years for the news to reach the final enslaved group in Galveston, Texas.

Local nonprofit Best Point Education and Behavioral Health hosted an event with a BBQ lunch, crafts, games and songs, all to spark conversation and teach about the history of Juneteenth in a way kids can understand.

“We had students who sang songs in regards to the importance of freedom and their heritage, but also an opportunity to listen to speakers speak about the importance of the day,” said Tom Boggs, retired Cincinnati Public Schools educator and …