WATCH: Juneteenth celebrated across US
By Jill Tatara & Libby Cathey
For the first time in nearly 40 years, Juneteenth was officially made a national holiday. and just in time for Saturday's 156th anniversary of the day that marks the last African American slaves being freed in Texas in the wake of the Civil War.
MORE: Congress passes legislation to make Juneteenth a federal holiday
Juneteenth: Together We Triumph -- Stream on hulu
Here are some stunning images of Juneteenth celebrations across the U.S.:
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Two boys and their family celebrate during a Juneteenth parade in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 2021.
Luis Santana/Tampa Bay Times via ZUMA Wire
Curtis Hixon Park shines in traditional Pan African colors to commemorate the importance of Juneteenth on June 18, 2021, in Tampa, Fla.
Emily Elconin/Reuters
A person drives in the parade with a sign on their car reading "Freeish 1865" as people celebrate Juneteenth in Flint, Mich., June 19, 2021.
Jeenah Moon/Reuters
Terrence Floyd, brother of the late George Floyd who was killed by a police officer, speaks during the unveiling event of Floyd's statue, as part of Juneteenth celebrations in Brooklyn, N.Y., June 19, 2021.
Sarah Simpson/Pittsburgh Post-Gazette via AP
Members of the Sankofa Dance & Drum Team, Aysiah-Imani Miller, left, and Johnna Mullen, right, perform at Point State Park for the Western Pennsylvania Juneteenth Celebration on June 18, 2021, in Pittsburgh, Pa.
Jason Whitman/NurPhoto via Shutterstock
Girls from a local Black dance team perform during the annual Juneteenth Block Party And Celebration on June 18th, 2021, in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Allison Bailey/Shutterstock
A lighting display is projected on the facade of the National Cathedral in honor of Juneteenth, June 16, 2021.
Jon Cherry/Getty Images
River City Drum Corps marches during the Juneteenth commencement of On the Banks of Freedom on June 19, 2021, in Louisville, Ky.
Luis Santana/Tampa Bay Times via ZUMA Wire
Artist Isha Joseph paints the face of four year old Layla Zephyrin at her booth during the Juneteenth Jam at the Northstar Academies on June 19, 2021, in St. Petersburg, Fla.
Ebony Cox/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel via USA Today Network
Little Miss Juneteenth rides in the Juneteenth Day Parade and Celebration, June 19, 2021, in Milwaukee, Wis.
Ken Cedeno/Reuters
People celebrate Juneteenth at Black Lives Matter Plaza in Washington, D.C., June 19, 2021.