Juneteenth and its importance to people living on the Central Coast

SEASIDE, Calif. (KION-TV): Three years ago, President Joe Biden declared Juneteenth a federal holiday.

Deja Blue Soul Food owner, Darryl Choates, said Juneteenth marks an important time in history.

"It's considered the end of slavery, and, that's where we're at now of trying to keep moving forward." said Choates.

Juneteenth marks what many call the country's second Independence Day. June 19th, 1865 is the day when slaves in Galveston, Texas learned of their freedom from slavery for the first time.

The National Museum of African American History and Culture said that this came two years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation.

The President of the NAACP of Monterey branch, Lyndon Tarver, said it's important for people to recognize the holiday, but, there is more work to be done when it comes to the African American community.

"Since 1865, we have made some strides, but we still have more to go," said Tarver. "As you look at the climate these days, it seem like we're not progressing, we may be digress and ready to progress, only to be more progressive."

"The color I am, and what our people went through, we made it this far." said Chaotes.

Business owner, Darryl Choates, said it was important for him to integrate African American culture into his business.

"So it's important to try to keep some of the culture and some of the, heritage information out there to let people know." said Choates.

Seaside held their Juneteenth celebration this past Saturday, as well as the city of Santa Cruz.
Hartnell College is hosting a Juneteenth celebration this Saturday at 1 p.m.