BUFFALO, N.Y. — The City of Buffalo held a flag raising ceremony in Niagara Square Monday as organizers prepare for the 46th consecutive Juneteenth of Buffalo Festival.

This year’s Juneteenth will also be extra special — not only in Buffalo but across New York state: this will be the first year it will be recognized as an official holiday.

Juneteenth is the celebration of June 19, 1865, the day freedom became a reality for enslaved people in Texas — more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed, which ended slavery for all in the U.S. It marks the day all were made free.

Once again in Buffalo, there's a virtual festival celebrating African traditions, culture and history.

Organizers in the city are also working with “Buy Black Buffalo” to support Black-owned businesses.