Juneteenth celebrations are set to take place throughout the weekend in Rochester. This included Friday in front of Brothers & Sisters Unisex Salon on Dewey Avenue.

Live entertainment, games, free food, vendors, and education on the history and meaning of Juneteenth were a part of festivities to commemorate the end of slavery in the U.S. The historical day, June 19, 1865, is when news of emancipation reached enslaved people in Texas.

Salon owner Devon Reynolds says he and other organizers felt led to host a celebration for the first time, with emphasis on uplifting the community amid the Black Lives Matter movement; fighting for justice and equality.

“Although they say that we’re emancipated, it only meant that we’re ‘free-ish,’" said Reynolds. "We are still fighting; it’s still an uphill battle. We have to take it amongst ourselves, which I honor. It is our job to educate, push the narrative and tell our story."

Organizer Averin Collier also took time to reflect on the importance of Juneteenth.

“What makes this day so important is not just celebrating the rich history of African American freedom,” said Collier, "but we’re celebrating the history of Frederick Douglass as well. He was one of the drafters and big pushers for black emancipation; just to throw out his ‘what is the Fourth of July to a slave’ speech. What is that to us, when we haven't received our full freedoms?”

Organizer Tatiana Welch says investing in the youth through educational and interactive activities at the event was top of mind.

“Why as a Black child is it important to know your history?” said Welch. “Without knowing your history you can’t change and do better. We are still disenfranchised, but there is a way to get around it. Follow your dreams, follow your heart.”