Juneteenth, the newly declared national holiday in the United States that marks the end of slavery, was marked by marches, music, and speeches on Saturday. This comes a year after George Floyd’s death which sparked anti-racism protests.
Hundreds of events were held across the country, from New York to Los Angeles, and most notably in Galveston, Texas, the symbolic heart of the Juneteenth commemoration. Floyd’s killing touched off global protests against racism and police violence toward minorities. That movement helped raise the visibility of Juneteenth — a date that many Americans, including many African Americans, had not heard of even two years ago.

A poet performs during the 28th annual Juneteenth celebration in the Harlem neighborhood of New York, on June 19, 2021. (Photo Credit: AFP)
The TuffCrowd Entertainment ensemble performs during the Watts Juneteenth Street Fair on June 19, 2021 in the Watts neighborhood of Los Angeles, California.
Musicians play jazz music on the sidewalk during the 28th annual Juneteenth celebration in the Harlem neighborhood of New York, on June 19, 2021.
A marching band crosses the street during the 28th annual Juneteenth celebration in the Harlem neighborhood of New York, on June 19, 2021.
Kids dance as they take part during the 28th annual Juneteenth celebration in the Harlem neighborhood of New York, on June 19, 2021. 
A girl sing the national anthem during the 28th annual Juneteenth celebration in the Harlem neighborhood of New York, on June 19, 2021.