BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — The U.S. celebrated its independence from Britain in 1776, but it wasn't until 89 years later that the last remaining African American slaves were freed.

Juneteenth is also known as Freedom Day because it commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans throughout the Confederate states in 1865.

In Bakersfield the NAACP partnered with the National Pan-Hellenic Council and other local groups to host the city’s third Juneteenth event, complete with food, games, and information on Black history.