On Saturday, June 21, Reading held its annual Juneteenth Freedom Festival on the town common, a community celebration marking the end of slavery in the United States. Families and friends gathered throughout the afternoon and into the evening for an event filled with music, food, education, and reflection.

The celebration kicked off at 1:00 p.m. with a welcome from Albert Pless, Director of Reading’s Office of Equity and Social Justice. Attendees joined together in singing the Black National Anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” performed by students from Reading Memorial High School. A flag presentation followed, led by members of Reading Scout Troop.