Nora R., a triple-certified hair stylist and owner of Nora's Locs & Braids in Nashua, provides for the recent Juneteenth holiday celebration a wide range of dreadlocks, braids, natural hair and handcrafted accoutrements for stylish ladies looking for a fresh look. Photo by LORETTA JACKSON

NASHUA – Historical documentation chronicles an event that heralded for the nation the confirmed end of slavery, an accomplishment made on June 19, 1865, when Union soldiers arrived in the town of Galveston, Texas, an isolated region firmly under Confederate control, to announce to all the enslaved men, women and children there that they were … free!

It was President Abraham Lincoln who declared on New Year’s Day of 1863 that the Emancipation Proclamation was now the law of the land. Nevertheless, the decree took more than two years, after the end of the Civil War, for Union troops to reach the deepest parts of the Confederacy to enforce the law, so say documentarians.

That history was shared with hundreds on June 19 during a festive Juneteenth commemoration at Nashua’s Riverwalk Park, 23 Water St. It was an event sponsored by the Nashua Family Network (NFN), a local parent group fostering the wellbeing of the city’s families.

“This was truly a meaningful celebration, made possible through the dedicated efforts of those working tirelessly to help grow Nashua’s Juneteenth celebration,” said Joslyn Kuchinski, director for the Office of Community and Connections in Nashua.

Kuchinski credited Kim Whittaker, member of NFN and lead organizer of the Juneteenth event, for the dedication that so clearly reflected the success of the event. She added that plans already are underway to make the Juneteenth celebration an annual event for the Nashua area community.

Stevie Klein and Keanu Klein, age 2, offered information from the United Way of Greater Nashua related to affordable childcare, community events and services for families during the gathering of hundreds who attended Juneteenth activities at Riverwalk Park. Photo by LORETTA JACKSON

Throughout the afternoon, people of all ethnic backgrounds indulged in dancing to live music, an art display, face painting and the purchase of jewelry and crafts, along with giveaways of information from community groups focused on life enrichment.

Surprise was the reaction for many when two big brown horses saddled by female officers of the Nashua Police Department Mounted Unit made a special appearance to the delight of all who observed the steeds and those who were invited to pet the stately equines.

Elsewhere, free meals sponsored by BJ’s Wholesale Club of Nashua were served to the public from Soel Sisters Food Truck, a family-operated restaurant, catering service and food truck business owned by Kendra Smith of Nashua.

Some saved room for ice cream from Hazy Ice Cream, a Nashua enterprise whose personnel occasionally drive the mobile ice cream stand to enhance special events.

“The strong support of our community reflects on the profound injustices of slavery and also honors the resilience and contributions of our ancestors who helped build this nation.” added Kuchinski.

Yalianiz Perez, a Nashua visitor with her family to the Juneteenth commemoration at Riverwalk, takes time out to become better acquainted with officers from the Nashua Police Department Mounted Unit and their highly trained steeds. Photo by LORETTA JACKSON

More information on the Juneteenth celebration in Nashua is available by contacting Facebook to visit Nashua Family Network.

Tim Thorpe, known regionally as "Mr. Goodbarz," of Mr. Goodbarz Toybox Studio, his Nashua headquarters for audio production and entertainment spotlighting MidWest Hip Hop and other genres of music, keeps the beat as visitors rejoice in the celebration of Juneteenth at Riverwalk  Park. Photo by LORETTA JACKSON

Vengerflutta Smith, left, Ward 6 Alderman in Nashua and Greater Nashua Area Branch NAACP membership chair, joins Linda Gathright, Ward 9 State Rep., and President of the Greater Nashua Area Branch NAACP, in greeting Juneteenth enthusiasts at Riverwalk Park. Photo by LORETTA JACKSON

A moment of recognition for supporters of the Juneteenth holiday commemoration at Riverwalk Park brings together these event planners and participants, representatives of several organizations that include the primary event sponsor, Nashua Family Network (NFN).  Photo by LORETTA JACKSON