Juneteenth in Columbia: Six years of growing diversity, black business and unity

For six years, Columbia's annual celebration of Juneteenth continues to grow,

first as an official holiday honoring its significance in American history,

but also the city's continued thriving African-American business community.

The sixth annual Juneteenth celebration took place Saturday at Riverwalk Park,

which drew hundreds of attendees, multiple vendors, artists and more, all sharing a passion for unity and togetherness.

The annual holiday marks marks 157 years, following the nation's announcement of General Order No.

3, which occurred June 19, 1865 and proclaimed the freedom of enslaved people in Texas.

Though the holiday has celebrated Black culture for years since,

Juneteenth was officially adopted as a federal holiday in 2021.