BY: BOOKMANS

The 38th annual Juneteenth Festival is June 14th in Tucson and Speedway is helping to celebrate the "oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States." Find out how you can participate on this day of renewal and reflection.

2008 marks the 143rd anniversary of Juneteenth, June 19th, when news of the Emancipation Proclamation finally reached the enslaved in Galvenston, Texas in 1865. Every year cities across the U.S. hold events honoring the African-American experience, and this year Tucson will host its 38th annual Juneteenth Festival at the Kennedy Park Fiesta Area on Ajo and La Cholla on Saturday, June 14th, 2 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. 

Head out to the Park for fun, food, entertainment, and loads of information on this special day, and check out other events leading up to the Festival:

Friday, June 6th - Sunday, June 8th
Basketball Tournament at Pima Community College

Saturday, June 7 at 6:30 p.m.
Gospel Jubilee at Rising Star MBC
2800 E. 36th St.

For more information on Juneteenth and other celebrations in your area, visit the official Juneteenth website.

Thanks to Speedway VM Frank S for the head's up.