CHARLOTTE, N.C. --It took more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation for slaves in Texas to be freed.

Now, the anniversary of that date, June 19, 1865, is celebrated every year as Juneteenth.

Charlotte has had a Juneteenth festival for more than twenty years.

This year's Juneteenth Festival in Plaza Midwood had food, dancing, vendors selling African clothing, and health screenings and information from Novant Health and First Care Medical Clinic.

“It’s important to let children know our heritage, our arts, our crafts, give them the knowledge of the struggles black Americans have been through," said Michael Salter, who went to the festival with his family.

Charlotte’s Juneteenth Festival runs through Sunday.