Johnson County Government will host its fourth annual Juneteenth celebration from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, June 19, at the Lenexa Civic Campus Commons (17101 W. 87th St.), Lenexa.

This year’s theme is “Milestones of Freedom: Celebrating 160 years of Progress.”

A blend of the words June and nineteenth, Juneteenth is the oldest African American holiday observance in the nation.

The date of June 19 marks the day when Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas in 1865 to ensure the freedom of all enslaved people in the state. The arrival occurred two months after Confederate General Robert E. Lee had surrendered in Appomattox, Virginia.

Music and kids’ activities are planned. The program also will include a proclamation from the Board of County Commissioners in support of Juneteenth.

Check jocogov.org/Juneteenth for more details.