INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — June 19 celebrates the day in 1865 when 250,000 slaves were freed in Texas. Although the Emancipation Proclamation was signed two years prior, slaves under Confederate reign were kept in confinement.

The celebration has been honored by African Americans nationwide.

DeAndrea Beaven from Indianapolis Moms joined Daybreak to discuss the history and significance of Juneteenth.

“Can you imagine 250,000 people not knowing that they are free? Like that is a cause for celebration,” Beaven said. “So, I think that now that everyone is kind of aware of Juneteenth, hopefully, it catches like fire and our children know and everyone’s willing to celebrate.”

In Indianapolis, a few celebrations are being held to celebrate the newly adopted nationwide holiday.

• Juneteenth Jubilee at Newfields: 11:30 to 2:30 p.m., 4000 Michigan Road
• Connor Prairie Juneteenth Jubilee: 5 to 8 p.m.,13400 Allisonville Rd.
• Juneteenth Block Party, Ujamaa Community Bookstore: 11 to 3 p.m., 2424 Dr Martin Luther King Jr.