A flag was raised in the City of Binghamton to commemorate the last American slaves set free.

On Friday, Mayor Rich David joined with local officials to raise the Juneteenth flag and kick off festivities in its honor.

Juneteenth celebrates the day emancipation was officially issued in Galveston, Texas on June 19, 1865.  This was almost two and a half years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.

Officials say raising awareness of this date helps recognize errors in the ways of the past and prevent history from repeating itself.

"Children should read it in history.  We need people to know that this is when blacks actually could get some hope of freedom," said Vicky Brown, President of the Broome-Tioga NAACP Chapter.

Juneteenth events in the Southern Tier kicked off with a gospel show from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday at the First Assembly of God, located at 255 Washington St.  There will be a Mobile Food Pantry on Saturday from 10 a.m. until noon in front of the Urban League on Carroll St.  A Juneteenth Community Celebration with food, music and vendors will also be held Saturday at Columbus Park from noon to 5:00 p.m.