HUNTINGTON, NY – June 20, 2026
Residents gathered at Heckscher Park on Saturday afternoon, for the Town of Huntington’s annual Juneteenth Freedom Day Celebration, an event honoring the end of slavery in the United States while celebrating Black history, culture, and community.
Presented in partnership with the Huntington Branch NAACP and the Town of Huntington, the program featured inspiring musical performances, poetry, dance, oral history presentations, scholarship awards, cultural activities, and family-friendly entertainment. Community organizations, local leaders, students, and residents came, together to commemorate the significance of Juneteenth through education, reflection, and celebration.
Town of Huntington Supervisor Ed Smyth thanked the many individuals who helped make the event possible, offering special recognition to Michele Foulke of the Human Services Department and Ruthanne Cooley, President of the Huntington Branch NAACP, for organizing what he described as an exceptional program.
“Today we celebrated Juneteenth in collaboration with the Huntington branch of the NAACP,” Smyth said. “It was a wonderful afternoon celebrating Freedom Day with songs, music, dancing and family fun.”
The event also included the presentation of Juneteenth scholarships to graduating seniors from local high schools, recognizing students for their achievements and commitment to their communities.
With performances by local artists, participation from numerous community organizations, and activities for all ages, the celebration reflected Huntington’s ongoing commitment to honoring history, promoting unity, and celebrating the diverse voices that strengthen the community.
Photography by Dana E. Richter.
