Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum / Associated Press
This updated handout photo provided by the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum on Tuesday, June 8, 2021 shows a signed copy of Emancipation Proclamation. The Library, in Springfield, Ill., will mark Juneteenth, the holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States, by displaying the rare signed copy of the Emancipation Proclamation. The copy of the proclamation that’s signed by Lincoln and Secretary of State William Seward will be displayed between June 15 and July 6. The original document is kept in the National Archives in Washington, D.C.
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The City of Harrisburg is gearing up for one of its biggest Juneteenth celebrations yet — and for organizer Dr. Kimeka Campbell, it’s about more than festivities. It’s about honoring history, building community, and reclaiming economic power.
“Juneteenth, to me, is about celebrating the legacy of African-American greatness that persisted despite enslavement,” said Campbell, a first-generation American. “Black Americans paved the way for Black people across the world to be recognized — despite enslavement. That is something that always should be celebrated.”
Though Juneteenth commemorates the 1865 liberation of the last enslaved people in Galveston, Texas — more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation — Campbell emphasized the significance of Pennsylvania in the long march to freedom.
“Pennsylvania started with partial abolition laws in 1780,” she explained. “And yet the last person in Texas wasn’t freed until 1865. That’s 85 years. That tells you how deeply entrenched slavery was as an economic driver.”
This year’s Juneteenth theme — One City, One Team, One Economic Impact — underscores the celebration’s emphasis on community economics.
“We’re promoting Black vendors, Black businesses, and Black restaurants,” said Campbell. “People critique and say Juneteenth shouldn’t be about making money. And I say: make money for whom? Black people have had wealth stripped for generations. It’s okay for them to thrive.”
A historic first is also on tap: Harrisburg’s first-ever Juneteenth parade, led by community organizer Eris Smallwood. The parade, which will feature over 75 entrants and more than 900 participants, takes a symbolic route past the historic Eighth Ward — a once-thriving Black neighborhood that was razed to build the Capitol complex.
“The parade will honor what happened there,” said Campbell. “We’re starting at Soldiers Grove and ending at the Capitol steps, where we’ll have presentations, judging, and prizes. We’re so proud to bring this history to life.”
The celebration spans a full week of events, including a VIP reception at Culture & Co., a Black Excellence Summit at Harrisburg University, a Juneteenth Jubilee, a block party at Insomnia, and a headline concert by rapper Jadakiss at HMAC.
Even as festivities unfold, Campbell insists the deeper mission of Juneteenth in Harrisburg remains front and center: economic empowerment and inclusive celebration.
“Supporting Black and brown small businesses means securing the future of our city,” she said. “Juneteenth is for everyone who wants to uplift their community — and it’s okay to celebrate with us. This is your history too.”
