Tampa Holds 1st Juneteenth Celebration With Flag Raising, Events

TAMPA, FL – The city of Tampa held it's first Juneteenth celebration on Friday, with a flag raising and lighting Old City Hall and downtown bridges.

Mayor Jane Castor, Councilman Orlando Gudes and the Tampa Bay Juneteenth Coalition gathered at Old City Hall to participate in the outdoor ceremony, a day before the 156th anniversary of Juneteenth, the anniversary of the end of slavery in the United States in 1865.

"Juneteenth is a celebration as much as it is a reflection and remembrance that although slavery was abolished, remnants of injustice still exist in our community today," Castor said at the ceremony.

The city will also shine red, yellow and green lights at Old City Hall, Curtis Hixon Park and downtown bridges in honor of Juneteenth.

Other events include "Oh Freedom!" the first Juneteenth Commemoration at Tampa Park Plaza, the Juneteenth Vendor Market at Rebirth Missionary Church, and the AfroCan Fest at the Tampa Garden Club, all to be held on Saturday.

"No matter your ethnic or racial background, no matter who you love or pray to, or your age or location, we can all celebrate this day to let freedom ring," Castor said in a video posted to the city's website.