As Juneteenth approaches, communities across the country are coming together to celebrate the end of legalized slavery and honor the resilience and courage of African Americans in the fight for freedom. From parades and concerts to speeches and spoken word performances, Juneteenth is a time to celebrate African-American culture, history and achievements.

At the Underground Railroad Education Center in Albany, Marcus Anderson is leading the charge to teach young people about the past and present, so they don't repeat it in the future. Anderson, the deputy director of the center, has made it his mission to teach the youth of today the history of the past and the present.

What You Need To Know

  • Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the United States

  • The holiday is a time to celebrate the contributions of African Americans to American society and culture and to reflect on the ongoing struggle for racial justice and equality

  • Juneteenth is recognized as a state holiday or observance in most states, and as of 2021, 47 states and the District of Columbia recognize Juneteenth as a state holiday or observance

  • In recent years, there has been a growing movement to recognize Juneteenth as a national holiday in the United States. In 2021, President Joe Biden signed a bill making Juneteenth a federal holiday

"We need to look back and both celebrate and recognize the solemn past that is affecting our present right now in order to build a brighter future," Anderson said.

The Juneteenth celebration was held at the Underground Railroad Education Center, a sacred site that was once home to Black abolition. In order to learn more about the Underground Railroad Education Center, you can visit their website.