SUMMER SMILES. Juneteenth – a holiday marking the end of slavery in the United States – is celebrated in Eau Claire with an annual picnic in Carson Park on (you guessed it!) June 19.

On June 19, UW-Eau Claire, UW-Stout and other local sponsors will host the 15th annual Eau Claire Juneteenth Celebration. On a national level, this year marks the 150th anniversary of the holiday. Last year, I asked the same question you might have right now: What the heck is Juneteenth, and why have I never heard of it?

The popularity of Juneteenth continues to grow across the nation and Wisconsin: In fact, Eau Claire hosts the third largest celebration in the state behind Milwaukee and Madison.

Answering that requires some history. President Lincoln’s original Emancipation Proclamation – the one you remember from your history textbooks, which freed slaves in Confederate states – took effect Jan. 1, 1863. News and implementation of the Proclamation was slow to spread, and as the Civil War progressed plantation owners forced thousands of slaves westward into Texas. More than two years after the original Proclamation – and more than two months after Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee’s surrender essentially ended the war – Union Gen. Gordon Granger finally reached the Lone Star State and delivered a similar proclamation in Galveston on June 19, 1865. Granger’s message that “all slaves are free” elicited jubilant dancing in the streets from formerly enslaved people.

Today, June 19 is a time to celebrate, cultivate, and commemorate African-American history and culture. Juneteenth also serves as a platform to recognize the progress we have made as a country toward racial equality, and to use that progress as empowerment to face present and future challenges. The popularity of Juneteenth continues to grow across the nation and Wisconsin: In fact, Eau Claire hosts the third largest state celebration behind Milwaukee and Madison.

Last year in Eau Claire, the Juneteenth celebration took place at Carson Park. Safe from a light drizzle under the Pine Pavilion, folks of all different races and political tendencies shared hot dogs, rocking live music, and most importantly, a dialogue on race. The most poignant moments came during an open mic session where anyone could speak his or her mind on all things race-related. The most powerful messages came from some of the youngest attendees, who reminded the crowd that “learning is being uncomfortable,” “we must make the change we want to see without force,” and to “speak our minds even if our voice shakes.” Skin colors and party lines faded away and citizens related over a human issue.

This year, the free, donation-funded event will be at 5:30pm Friday, June 19, under the Pine Pavilion in Carson Park. There will be hot dogs, baked beans, cake, and great tunes provided by local band Jenny and the Jets. The official program will start with opening remarks followed by a reading of Granger’s Emancipation Proclamation. Eau Claire Police Chief Jerry Staniszewski will deliver a keynote address highlighting topics of race and policing that have been in the national spotlight this past year. The program will conclude with community sharing, during which all are invited to speak on any issues they feel deserve a voice. In a year filled with racial tensions, join the Juneteenth celebration, and take part in good food, good music, and a candid and communal conversation.