The community walk, which will celebrate freedom and honor Juneteenth National Independence Day, will begin at 8:30 a.m. at Wells Park and move north down Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard, ending at the Savannah River in Martin Luther King, Jr. Park. 

Juneteenth originated as a celebration to commemorate the end of slavery. On June 19, 1865, Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, to free 250,000 people who were still held in bondage two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. It was the final enforcement of the proclamation that ended slavery in America.  

Mayor Johnson signed a proclamation in 2020 recognizing Juneteenth Day in Savannah. In 2021, President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act recognizing June 19 as the federal holiday Juneteenth. It was the first new federal holiday since Martin Luther King Jr. Day was adopted in 1983.   

Transportation will be provided for individuals with mobility challenges and for walkers returning to their vehicles. Hydration stations will be available along the route.  

Drivers are advised that during the walk Savannah Police Department Traffic Division will be conducting a rolling closure of Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. between W. 38^th St. and River St. Drivers are asked to seek alternative routes, if possible, remain patient, and obey the direction of traffic officers.  

What: Juneteenth Walk to the River  

When: June 19, 8:30 a.m.