Beginning Friday, festivities kick off for the Syracuse Juneteenth Festival recognizing the end of slavery in the United States.
Here, in Syracuse, outside its historic city hall, citizens will raise the red, black and green flag in commemoration of the ongoing journey toward freedom for Black Americans.
The headline act for the 37th annual event is The SOS Band, known for its legendary R&B electro-funk sound of the 80’s.
The national holiday celebrating the end of slavery has particular significance here in Central New York where thousands of people escaped cruel servitude via the Underground Railroad.
Events begin Friday at noon with the flag raising. On Saturday, a parade begins at Dunbar Center at 11 am delivering the crowd to Clinton Square where live performances will continue throughout the day.
For the complete list of events for the two day Syracuse Juneteenth Festival beginning June 13, click here.
