Syracuse Sun

Syracuse’s Juneteenth Celebrations Honor the Past, Envision a Brighter Future

Jun 11, 2024

While Juneteenth—a day to commemorate the emancipation of enslaved African Americans across the United States—became a New York State holiday in 2020 and a federal holiday in 2021, the Central New York community has recognized and honored this anniversary since 1988.

This year will be no different, as event organizers like Cora Thomas are once again bringing together residents of all backgrounds and ages to honor and embrace Black culture through educational workshops, live music performances, and family-friendly events.

Cora Thomas and the City of Syracuse’s Juneteenth board of directors are excited to honor and embrace Black culture during the city of Syracuse’s 34th annual Juneteenth Cultural Festival. The festival takes place June 14-15 in Clinton Square downtown, beginning with the raising of the Juneteenth flag in front of Syracuse City Hall on Friday, June 14. One of the highlights is Saturday’s victory parade, which starts outside of the Dunbar Center at 11 a.m. and concludes in Clinton Square at noon.

“I am passionate about celebrating and preserving our history, and Juneteenth is a powerful symbol of freedom and unity,” says Cora Thomas, WAER-FM’s office manager who serves on the Syracuse Juneteenth board of directors as chair of the ancestral celebration. “Being part of this committee allows me to contribute to raising awareness and fostering a sense of community and pride. It’s an honor and there’s a wonderful sense of unity as we honor the past and continue to look towards a brighter future.”

This year’s celebration is the third in Syracuse since Juneteenth (June 19) became an acknowledged New York state holiday in 2020. All musical performances will occur in Clinton Square. The festivities conclude on June 19 by honoring outstanding community members during the ancestral celebration in the city hall commons atrium. There will also be a Miss Juneteenth Pageant on June 13 at the Community Folk Art Center.

Thomas discussed with SU News the importance of Juneteenth, how celebrations have grown over the years, and why she finds the victory parade an “incredibly moving experience.”