MISSOULA — Many people gathered on Thursday at Fort Missoula to recount the true history of Juneteenth.
Watch to learn more about what Juneteenth means to some in Missoula:
June 19, 1865, is the day that marks the end of slavery. Now a federal holiday, to others, this is a reminder of the resilience of their ancestors.
"I am five generations from a slave in America, and that hit hard," University of Montana Branch Center director Zion Moore said.
Moore — the first black woman to serve in this role — spoke during Thursday's event.
"When I think of Juneteenth, I think of my people who never saw freedom with their own eyes, but dreamed of me standing here today," Moore said, "It means honoring my ancestors, remembering generations of struggle that they went through, so I can be here today."
Members of the Montana Black Collective spoke on Thursday with group founder Dexter Royes, saying Juneteenth is a day to be recognized.
"Juneteenth is important and it must be honored and celebrated," Royes said, "because it tells the story and truth of our history, it calls us to build a future grounded in freedom."
