5 ways to celebrate Juneteenth across Western Pa.

Juneteenth is here, and there are many ways to celebrate.

Numerous celebrations have occurred leading up to and will continue today, June 19. However, on Wednesday, most are in observance of the national holiday.

Juneteenth is a holiday of celebration, liberation and education. It marks the end of bondage for Black people while noting work that still needs to be done to achieve true freedom and equality.

Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when enslaved Black people in Galveston, Texas, were notified of their freedom. The news of this freedom came late, specifically two years after the Emancipation Proclamation of 1863, which declared enslaved people in the secessionist Confederate states, including Texas, free. In December 1865, slavery officially was abolished with the 13th Amendment.

Here are a few things to check out Wednesday:

1. Boom Concepts will present a Black Power Story Time in the Slavery to Freedom Garden at the Frick Environmental Center in Pittsburgh. The event, geared toward children 4 to 9, will take place from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Children will hear from award-winning artist DS Kinsel, a co-founder of Boom Concepts, as he reads two children’s stories. After the reading, attendees are invited to participate in a garden activity with Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy naturalists and educators. Learn more here.

2. A family community picnic will take place from 1 to 6 p.m. at West Park on Pittsburgh’s North Side across from the Gus & Yiayia’s. Everyone is welcome to pack a basket or bring a grill and any water sports of games for children to enjoy. Music will be provided. Learn more about the event here.

3. McKeesport will host its third annual Juneteenth festival from noon to 6 p.m. on Bailee Avenue and Flagler Street. The event promises a day of fun, community fellowship and free food. There will be a DJ, vendors and giveaways. Learn more here.

4. The Greensburg-Jeannette NAACP will present a Juneteenth Black Owned Business Fair from 3 to 7 p.m. at The Historic Fairview Park. The event will include live music, food and other vendors throughout the day and is free.

5. At Woodville museum in the Bridgeville area from 6 to 7:30 p.m., guests can celebrate Juneteenth with historian Rob Windhorst and the presentation “The Enslaved Community at Bower Hill and Woodville: 1775-1803.” The conversation will cover the latest research on the largest African American community west of the Allegheny Mountains prior to 1810. The event is free, and registration is encouraged.