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Savannah Hosts Juneteenth Walk to the River

Residents come together to celebrate Juneteenth along the scenic Savannah River.

News Summary

Savannah will celebrate freedom and honor Juneteenth with its second annual Walk to the River on June 19. Mayor Van R. Johnson II will lead the event, emphasizing community spirit and the historical significance of Juneteenth. Residents are invited to participate in this free event, which includes transportation provisions and educational activities surrounding the Emancipation Proclamation.

Savannah will host its second annual Juneteenth Walk to the River on June 19, 2025. This community event, organized by the City of Savannah, invites residents to come together to celebrate freedom and honor Juneteenth National Independence Day.

Mayor Van R. Johnson II will lead the commemorative walk, which will kick off at 8:30 a.m. from Wells Park at the intersection of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and W. 38th Street. The route will take participants down Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, culminating at Martin Luther King Jr. Park by the Savannah River.

Juneteenth is significant as it marks the end of slavery in the United States, specifically commemorating the day in 1865 when Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, to inform formerly enslaved individuals of their freedom. This event signifies the enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation, which had been signed over two years prior.

Mayor Johnson previously signed a proclamation in 2020 to officially recognize Juneteenth Day in Savannah. The observance gained national recognition when President Joe Biden established Juneteenth as a federal holiday on June 17, 2021, marking it as the first new federal holiday since Martin Luther King Jr. Day was established in 1983.

Event Details

This year’s event is free and open to everyone in the community. Accessible transportation will be available for individuals with mobility challenges, and provisions for returning walkers to their vehicles will also be made. To ensure participant safety and hydration, hydration stations will be strategically placed along the walk route.

The Savannah Police Department’s Traffic Division will oversee a rolling closure of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard between W. 38th Street and River Street during the event. Drivers are advised to plan for alternative routes and to remain patient while following the guidance of traffic officers throughout the walk.

Community Involvement

Local students and community members will have the opportunity to take part in the reading of the Emancipation Proclamation as part of the Juneteenth observance. This reading serves to educate participants about the historical significance of the day and the long fight for freedom.

Historical Significance of Juneteenth

Juneteenth is not just a celebration; it represents a critical reflection on the past. Despite the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation in January 1863, many enslaved individuals remained unaware of their freedom for more than two years. The event serves as a reminder of the struggles faced by African Americans and the importance of understanding and acknowledging this history for future generations.

As Savannah prepares for the second annual Juneteenth Walk to the River, the city reaffirms its commitment to honoring this pivotal moment in American history, fostering community spirit, and enhancing awareness of freedom, equality, and justice for all.