Like many festivals, fairs, and other major events, this year's celebration of Juneteenth in the Quad Cities, to mark the end of slavery, will be virtual.
Festival Organizer Tracy White, from the group Friends of MLK, says it will be "held" on Facebook Live, Friday evening, with the prayer, speakers, and entertainment that are featured every year.
"Virtually it is going to look a little different but we're able to be more intentional on the messaging this year because of everything that has been happening. So people can get on the Facebook page, they'll be able to click in and join the live feed, and they'll see everything they would have seen if it were outdoors, but just in the comfort of their own home."
Even though the Emancipation Proclamation was issued in 1863, slavery in the Confederate states did not officially end until June of 1865 when a Union general announced in Texas that all the slaves there were free.
And it's sometimes referred to as America's second Independence Day.
"We do focus a lot on the local history because this is where we live, this is our community. So we do have some features where we are highlighting people who have made great contributions to the African-American history here in the Quad Cities."
The Friends of MLK virtual Juneteenth celebration runs from 5 until 7 pm.
