Mount Kisco celebrates Juneteenth

Mount Kisco marked Juneteenth 2026 with art, prayers, appreciation, joy and reflection.

The federal holiday commemorates June 19, 1865, the day Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, to announce that enslaved people were free—two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation had been signed.

The Mount Kisco Arts Council did its bit by partnering with the Mount Kisco Public Library on a family-friendly community event.

Held on Saturday, June 20, it included a reading by educator and children’s book author Valerie Bolling and an interactive community art workshop led by artist Chel Garvey.

The Village Board acknowledged the holiday’s importance at its Monday, June 15, meeting.

The Rev. Malcolm M. Hudson Jr., senior pastor of Bethel Baptist Church in Mount Kisco, read the invocation.

“Let us pray. Our father and our god, we come before you in your name and thanking you for all that you have done for us on this great day. Our master we are standing here asking you to bless the leaders of the village as they enter into decision making. Allow them to be on one accord as they agree and to disagree. With your power and your help, we pray that everything that is decided will be of great help for this village. Master, we also pray for our youth, our young adults, and our elderly, and those who have no decision. God, as we leave this here, we thank you for everything that you’ve done. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Mayor J. Michael Cindrich announced that, unfortunately, the usual Juneteenth festival behind Village Hall would not be taking place that Friday, due to its being cancelled at the request of its organizers.

He then read a proclamation:

“Whereas Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, the day when enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, learned of their freedom more than two years after the issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation, and

"Whereas, Juneteenth stands as a powerful symbol of resilience, hope, and the ongoing pursuit of liberty, justice, and equality for all people, and

"Whereas, the observance of Juneteenth provides an opportunity to reflect on our nation’s history, acknowledge the struggles and contributions of African Americans, and celebrate the progress made toward a more inclusive society, and

"Whereas education, civic engagement, and community dialogue are essential to advancing, understanding, strengthening unity, and fostering respect among all members of our community and,

"Whereas Juneteenth encourages us to honor those who fought for freedom, recognize the enduring contributions of African Americans to our nation, and recommit ourselves to the ideas of equality and opportunity.

"So, therefore let it be resolved that in recognition of Juneteenth I, as mayor of the Village/Town of Mount Kisco, do hereby proclaim Friday, June 19, Juneteenth in Mount Kisco and I encourage all residents, employees, students, community members, to participate in activities that celebrate freedom, promote understanding, and reflect upon our shared commitment to justice and human dignity.”

Trustee Tammy Brown, after echoing the sentiments in the proclamation, spoke of the woman who was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for her part in creating the Juneteenth holiday.

Opal Lee, a retired teacher and an activist, is often described as the “Grandmother of Juneteenth.”

While campaigning for the holiday she led 2.5-mile walks, representing the 2.5 years it took for the news to officially reach Texas.

At 89, she conducted a symbolic walk from Fort Worth, departing the city in September 2016 and arriving in Washington, D.C. in January 2017.

She completed the 1,400-mile journey by walking 2.5 miles a day.

On June 17, 2021, President Joe Biden signed the law making Juneteenth the eleventh federal holiday. In 2024, he awarded Lee the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor.