Leaders from all corners of the Savannah community gathered with residents on Wednesday morning to take part in the City’s official commemorative event honoring Juneteenth National Independence Day. Hundreds were in attendance for the inaugural “Juneteenth Walk to the River,” led by Savannah Mayor Van Johnson.

After gathering at Wells Park (2299 Montgomery St.) for brief remarks from Johnson and others, the “community walk to celebrate freedom” was led north down Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. behind a police escort and toward the Savannah River (adjacent to Plant Riverside). Johnson led the people – many of whom were carrying banners or signs similar to those used in a parade.

The City of Savannah City Council was also there in full. Estella Edwards Shabazz, Nick Palumbo and Linda Wilder-Bryan walked near the front alongside Johnson, who wore an “SAV” cap, black jeans, and a black Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity t-shirt.
“What an incredible morning celebrating freedom at our inaugural Juneteenth Walk to the River,” the City said through its communications department on Wednesday afternoon. “We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who joined Mayor Van Johnson and leadership for this special Juneteenth commemoration. Together, we walked, we reflected, and we honored our shared history.”
Juneteenth originated as a celebration to commemorate the end of slavery. On June 19, 1865, Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas to free 250,000 people who were still held in bondage two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed.
It was the final enforcement of the proclamation that ended slavery in America. It has been a national holiday since 2021.

This article appears in Connect Savannah I June 2024.