ALBANY, N.Y. -- Juneteenth Day marks an historical milestone in American history, and on Saturday, the city of Albany celebrated the day with an event at Washington Park. The eighth annual Albany Juneteenth Celebration commemorated the emancipation of African American's in 1865.

It featured cultural events and entertainment for everyone to learn more about the historical date when the last slaves in America were freed. Many participants believe events like Juneteenth Day are a great way to educate young people about American History.

"A lot of the younger generation doesn't know anything about this information. And it's a good way to make this information available and to spark the interest in our younger generation," said Sheila Horton, resident of Albany.

On June 19, 1865, a general order was read in Galveston that said all slaves in Texas were free. The news came three years after President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation.