State & Union: Juneteenth celebrations coming up in Olean
The official Juneteenth holiday is Thursday, but in Olean Juneteenth will be celebrated with two events — the 6th Annual Juneteenth Jamboree at Franchot Park on Saturday and on June 28 during the Olean African American Center for Cultural Development’s community gathering.
The Jamboree is a pay-what-you-want, family-friendly celebration that honors freedom, culture and community, beginning at noon, through a day of live music, local food, art, youth activities and vendors.
Organizers will welcome Neville Francis & The Riddim Posse to the stage for “an unforgettable reggae performance along with the return of the Bridge the Culture Cypher, showcasing some of the region’s most talented emcees. We’ll also proudly present the Juneteenth Scholarship to a local student who embodies leadership, resilience and a commitment to positive change.”
A view of a section of the 1865 Juneteenth General Order No. 3 that is displayed by the Dallas Historical Society at the Fair Park Hall of State in Dallas, Friday, June 6, 2025. (AP Photo/LM Otero)
Organizers say the “Jamboree is more than an event — it’s a movement rooted in unity, empowerment and cultural pride. Bring the whole family for games, entertainment and meaningful moments that connect and uplift.”
Create the Culture has been the organization behind the Jamboree, led by Ryan Carney (CARN3Y), Hayleigh Federowicz (LEALE), Tre Douglas (TRESTYLEZ100) and Whakim Lumpkins — artists and creatives dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion through their initiatives.
“Each year, we give back through scholarships, education, funding and empowering aspiring talents to pursue their dreams. Through art, education, and community engagement, we strive to create a culture of unity, understanding and acceptance for all.”
Meanwhile, the Olean African American Center for Cultural Development will host a Juneteenth celebration from noon to 3 p.m. June 28 at Bethany Lutheran Church, 6 Leo Moss Drive.
This year’s celebration is planned as an “old-fashioned neighborhood party, with good music, good food and fun.” Food will include hamburgers, hot dogs, pulled pork sandwiches and barbecue ribs. Bring your own chairs.
Juneteenth recognizes the day, June 19, 1865, when Union Gen. Gordon Granger read General Order Number 3 in Galveston, Texas, informing residents that the Civil War had ended and Presiddent Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, which had become official on Jan. 1, 1863, had abolished slavery in America.
After Gordon read the order, freed slaves in Galveston rejoiced in the streets, as it was now learned in all corners of the country that slavery was ended in what had been the Confederate states. Although slavery wasn’t officially abolished in all states until the ratification of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution in December 1865, Juneteenth is remembered as the focal point of jubilation among Black families.
In New York state, Juneteenth didn’t have official status until June 19, 2004, when then-Gov. George Pataki signed a bill establishing “Juneteenth Freedom Day.” In 2020, former Gov. Andrew Cuomo declared June 19 to be a state holiday in commemoration of Juneteenth.
Juneteenth was officially declared a federal holiday in 2021, when President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law.
