Tulsans celebrate 152 years of freedom from slavery at Juneteenth Celebration

TULSA, Okla. (KTUL) -- Tulsans are celebrating 152 years of freedom from slavery.

The Juneteenth celebration takes places on Greenwood, a historical area in downtown Tulsa where the 1921 Race Massacre took place.

The official end of slavery happened on June 19, 1865.

Juneteenth is known to be the oldest celebration throughout America.

Senior Pastor of Vernon African Methodist Episcopal Church Michelle Moulden said as the years go by, the celebration becomes more inclusive.

"Because it is 2017, it is just not about the fellowship of African American people, it is about the fellowship of anyone who comes to the Greenwood District to help us celebrate," she said.

The celebration consists of a kids zone, art, food, music and a chance for some to learn about a culture other than their own.

"A lot of times people are fearful of another culture because they don't know another culture, and in order to get to know somebody, you have to come out to what they do, celebrate their history and their heritage," Juneteenth board member Charity Marcus said.

The celebration continues through the evening and through Sunday.