Queens Public Library honors history of Juneteenth with day of events

Queens Public Library is honoring the history of Juneteenth with branch closures and virtual events. Photo by John Minchillo/AP File

By Rachel Vick

The Queens Public Library is marking Juneteenth this year with a full day of virtual events including a reenactment of the historic moment, and, for the first time, system-wide closures.

Juneteenth marks the end of slavery in the United States on June 19, 1865 — two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed.

“Our goal is to amplify the significance of Juneteenth and deepen the public’s understanding about that pivotal day,” said Queens Public Library President and CEO Dennis Walcott. “We also want to recognize the monumental fight for the emancipation of Black Americans, and the continued struggle for racial equity and inclusion in our society.”

A reenactment of a moment when enslaved women in Galveston, Texas were told by Union troops that they were free will be presented by the 6th Regiment United States Colored Troops Reenactors at 2 p.m.

Other events include kids craft projects and a story time on Facebook live, and QPL Hip Hop Coordinator Ralph McDaniels is hosting a “Celebration of Resilience” to recognize the musical contributions of the African diaspora.

The QPL mobile library will be parked at Roy Wilkins Park for the Juneteenth in Queens festival from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

New York State officially designated Juneteenth a holiday in October 2020, and a bill from the U.S. Senate to establish a federal holiday passed Tuesday.

Curated reading lists on the subject for all age groups and registration for the virtual events is available online.