Juneteenth celebrations underway across Michiana

2023 marks the first year Juneteenth will be recognized as a federal holiday.

The annual Juneteenth celebration is put on by the local chapter of the Indiana Black Expo with it returning to South Bend this year at LaSalle Park on the city's west side.

The celebration was filled with fun, food, music, and community to commemorate the freedom of all enslaved African Americans in 1865.

Ray Davis, the Entertainment Chairperson of the Juneteenth Celebration stated, "Today was an excellent turnout we've had many people come from all over. We've got our very own radio station here with us today, and so many of our other sponsors that are here with us celebrating and it's just a day to get together fellowship, eat great food, listen to great music, and support each other."

The celebration wrapped up around 5:00 p.m. Saturday, and like Davis said, brought out hundreds of residents.

The city of Benton Harbor also joined in celebrations with them holding their festivities downtown at the Dwight Pete Mitchell City Center Park.