Photos: Elmont comes together for 3rd annual Juneteenth festival

The Elmont Cultural Center and Elmont Alumni Network put on its third annual Juneteenth Celebration Festival on Saturday, June 17.

Juneteenth is a federal holiday on June 19 that celebrates the emancipation of African-Americans who were still enslaved in Texas two years after slaves across the U.S. were declared free in President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation.

Their freedom was later made permanent with the 13th Amendment to the Constitution.

The Elmont Juneteenth festival is a multi-arts experience that recognizes and celebrates the rich heritage of Juneteenth.

This year, there were live performances by DJ Sparkx of Hot97, Warren Wint, Rah Hoolian, Perfection Dance Company, Djembe drummers and the Elmont Community Choir.

Several people were also recognized for their contributions to the Elmont community.