Juneteenth holiday commemorated in Lexington, nationwide
LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — Juneteenth celebrations are underway across the country Thursday, marking the anniversary of June 19, 1865 — the day enslaved people in Texas learned they were free after the Civil War.
In Kentucky, slavery officially ended six months later with the ratification of the 13th Amendment.
To honor the day, Lexington is unveiling a new public monument titled Towards Freedom at 11 a.m. at Lexington Traditional Magnet School on North Limestone Street. The sculpture pays tribute to Lewis and Harriet Hayden, two formerly enslaved Lexington residents who escaped with their son in the 1840s and became national leaders in the abolitionist movement.
The city is also hosting additional Juneteenth events, including:
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A Sense of Place ceremony on Caden Lane, also at 11 a.m.
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A celebration at 4 p.m. at the Lyric Theatre on East Third Street, featuring live music and community gathering.
In observance of the federal holiday, post offices, major banks, and some courthouses are closed Thursday. Normal services are expected to resume on Friday.
