The Albany County Legislature, led by the Legislative Black Caucus, celebrated and recognized the Juneteenth holiday in the Cahill Room of the Harold L. Joyce Albany County Office Building today.

As part of the federal holiday that commemorates the ending of slavery in the United States, the event was highlighted by a pop-up museum presentation by the Underground Railroad Education Center – located on Livingston Ave. – and a live performance by the Black Theatre Troupe of Upstate NY.

The event featured music, food, and community resources provided by local organizations: Community Loan Fund of the Capital Region, Capital Region Chamber of Commerce, Albany Community Land Trust, and the Albany Regional Immigration Center.

More photos are available here.

Albany County Legislature Chairwoman Joanne Cunningham said: “Education gives us the perspective and insight imperative for healthy leadership. Juneteenth reminds us every year that America has flourished thanks, in large part, to the untold sweat and suffering of millions from its founding until that final day in 1865. We call this the present because it is a gift from those in the past. Thank you to the Legislative Black Caucus for putting together this event that helps us be better community leaders.”

Albany County Legislature Deputy Chairwoman Wanda Willingham said: “When Dr. King wrote, ‘If the inexpressible cruelties of slavery could not stop us, the opposition we now face will surely fail,’ there is no way that he could have known how applicable this thought remains today. As we celebrate and educate about Juneteenth, I know that we still must keep working, fighting, and believing in a better tomorrow.”

Chair of the Albany County Legislative Black Caucus Dr. Carolyn McLaughlin said: “The annual Juneteenth celebration is among the Legislative Black Caucus’ proudest traditions. Juneteenth honors the spirit of liberation, and we’re proud to carry that energy throughout the event.  When uncertainty surrounds so many, we are committed to providing vital resources such as counseling, immigration and refugee support, wellness resources, business assistance, along with meaningful education. Today was a celebration of music, food, the Black Theater Troupe of the Capital Region, and the Underground Railroad Education Center. Today, we celebrated our history, empowered our community, and moved forward together with hope and unity.”

Albany County Legislature Democratic Majority Leader Dennis Feeney said: “Juneteenth is a time to celebrate freedom, confront the enduring legacy of slavery, and honor the resilience of the African American community. It reminds us of our ongoing responsibility to build a more equitable and inclusive future for all.”

Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy said: “Today, we celebrated freedom, culture, and community, while renewing our commitment to justice and equality in every corner of our county. I want to thank the Albany County Legislature for planning this important event.”