KITTERY, Maine — June 19, or "Juneteenth," is a federally recognized holiday commemorating the day in 1865 when the last enslaved people in the United States learned they were free, two years after the emancipation proclamation.
As celebrations take place across the country, one event in New England connected Maine and New Hampshire.
For the third year, the Seacoast African American Culture Center hosted a Juneteenth Freedom Walk.
"It's just a celebration of Black folks' freedom. Unfortunately, the way it all took place, Texas didn't tell folks for a long time, so for the United States to accept this day and make it a holiday means a lot to me," SAACC President Sani Kaddy said.
Starting in Kittery at John Paul Jones Memorial Park, people braved the heat to walk across the Memorial Bridge into New Hampshire.
"Crossing over the bridge symbolizes for me John Lewis, and then later Dr. King, who did the same walk," Kaddy said. "For me, it's a peaceful walk to celebrate our freedom."
Playing music the whole way, the Leftist Marching Band put a little pep in everyone's step, all while celebrating the freeing of enslaved Black people.
"That's why coming out and getting a band behind it and doing a parade, that's the least that can happen," band member Charkee McGee said. "When you think about all the things that went into this day, it should really be celebrated far and wide, and we're doing it."
The Freedom Walk ended at the African Burying Ground Memorial in Portsmouth. It is an area where it's believed around 200 free and enslaved Africans were buried.
"When I first came to Portsmouth, people told me there were no Black people here before," Kaddy said. "Yes there were, and they were buried here."
As people reflect on what Juneteenth is and its place in history, it's another reminder of how far the nation has come.
"All races, all nationalities, all religions coming together. The cultures coming together, celebrating, crossing the bridge, which is a connection," Kaddy said. "That's what Dr. King stood for, he would be here and be proud."
The Akwaaba Ensemble, which is a West African drumming and dance group, performed at the African Burial Ground Memorial at the end of the Freedom Walk.
Kaddy says she hopes over the next few years, the Freedom Walk will grow into more of a parade.