The interactive app and website highlight 47 African American historic sites throughout the county.
In celebration of Juneteenth, Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone today launched an interactive Freedom Trail Challenge highlighting African American historic sites in Suffolk County. Available on a downloadable app and on the Suffolk County website, the trail will provide residents with the opportunity to learn about the county’s African American history.
Juneteenth (short for “June Nineteenth”) marks the date that Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas in 1865 to take control of the state and secure the release of all enslaved people. The troops did not arrive until a full two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the United States and is considered the longest-running African-American holiday. On June 17, 2021, it officially becomes a federal holiday.
“In Suffolk County, we proudly embrace inclusivity and equality and created this June 15th Freedom Trail to allow residents of all ages to explore and better understand the rich non- American History,” County Executive Steve Veron said. “Juneteenth is an opportunity to recognize and honor the progress this nation has made. However, there is still work to be done to eliminate injustice in our country. As a county government, we have a responsibility to take meaningful steps to create an environment where everyone is included and treated equally. ”
“Creating this Juneteenth Freedom Trail brings together all research and information on African American historic sites in Suffolk County under one umbrella,” Deputy County Executive Vanessa Baird-Streeter said“We are grateful to every historian, historical society, committee and individual in the town who have worked to unravel the rich history showcased in Suffolk County’s Juneteenth Freedom Trail. We encourage educators, administrators , community organizations and youth groups are participating in our challenge to use the shared information as an educational opportunity for residents of Suffolk County and beyond.”
Now through June 15, the 6th Annual Freedom Trail Challenge is open to all school-aged children. The county is working with local school districts, community organizations and youth organizations to encourage students to participate in the challenge.
Students who have visited most of the historic sites will be recognized at the June 19th Anniversary Celebration on June 19th. Visiting each location is worth one point; completing a photo challenge at each stop is worth one point. Prizes will also be awarded to first, second and third place winners.
“It warms my heart that Juneteenth has gone from a date that many residents are unfamiliar with to a national holiday that we can celebrate and learn from together,” Suffolk County Legislature Minority Leader Jason Richberg said. “The County’s new Juneteenth Freedom Trail program provides a unique opportunity for our young people to learn about the history of Suffolk County and our County’s many African American historic sites. Thank you to County Executive Bellone and our The friends of the African American Advisory Committee of the County have all of their work for this initiative.”
Mary Casconesaid the historian of the city of Babylon: “Every day — not just holidays and anniversaries — African American history is local history. This is a great opportunity to share with our Suffolk County neighbors through this format of interaction Community stories and history.”
For more information on how to play, please visit www.suffolkcountyny.gov/
