Thursday, October 1, 2026
Community members gathered at Valley Stream State Park last Friday for the second annual Juneteenth Jubilee, a celebration recognizing Juneteenth through history, culture, education and family-friendly activities.
“We make it very clear that we celebrate Juneteenth, and it is a holiday where we look back and think about what happened in the past, and the struggle is far from over,” Congresswoman Laura Gillen said. “We’re seeing voting rights being taken away across our country, and we must make sure that our voices continue to be heard as we go forward.”
Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced that enslaved people were free under General Order No. 3, more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation. The day is recognized as a federal holiday honoring the end of slavery in the United States and celebrating African American history, culture and resilience.
“It’s important that we note that if it wasn’t for their freedom, we all wouldn’t have freedom, so we must fight and secure the freedom for all,” Nassau County Legislator Carrié Solages said. “We have to work together to respect and protect our individual freedoms, and that’s what this holiday is about. And this holiday is also about celebrating the contributions of African Americans to this country, because when you celebrate Black History, you celebrate American history.”
The event featured a full afternoon of performances and educational programming.
The celebration opened with remarks from local officials, followed by a performance of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” by Elmont Memorial High School.
Mrs. K Dance Academy presented a double-dutch performance before a step performance. The Living History Co. later led a discussion on General Order No. 3 and the Civil War, providing historical context for the holiday. Layla’s Dance & Drum hosted an interactive dance performance and the program concluded with a step performance by the Nassau Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Throughout the event, attendees also had access to a variety of activities for all ages. Children’s inflatables, lawn games and a games tent featuring dominoes, spades and Uno were available during the celebration. A tournament in spades and dominoes was also held.
Additional activities included a Long Island Nets youth basketball clinic for children ages eight to 14, double dutch instruction from Mrs. K Dance Academy and face painting.
The Juneteenth Jubilee combined entertainment, recreation and historical education as part of Valley Stream’s annual observance of the national holiday.
“Every day we have to fight for our freedoms, and as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of this country, we have to hold the ideologies true that freedom, justice, opportunity is available for all,” Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages said.
