SHREVEPORT, La. (KSLA) - Several Juneteenth events were highlighted across the Ark-La-Tex Thursday (June 19).

June 19 marks Freedom Day, which many have called America’s second Independence Day. The holiday celebrates the emancipation of enslaved people in the U.S.

One way people celebrated the holiday was by discussing the true intent of the 13th Amendment over at St. Francis Episcopal Church.

“The Thirteenth Amendment is essentially the legislation when it was ratified, technically freed the slaves, constitutionally,” State of Black Shreveport chairman Lynn D. Cawthorne. “And what we’re gonna discuss today is the Thirteenth Amendment and the backdrop of all that happened how it happened historically, how it affects us contemporary. We’re gonna also discuss what’s called the exception clause. And the exception clause is almost like a, fine print, so to speak. So, if a certain act is conducted, then, you could be put back into slave.”

Across town, others choose to enjoy the holiday was by celebrating and enjoying black cuisine at black food truck night at Louisiana Daiquiri cafe.

The Shreveport-Bossier African American Chamber of Commerce (SBAACC), in partnership with the FAR Development Foundation, are hosting the Juneteenth Black Food Truck Night. People are invited to 1881 Texas Avenue (Louisiana Daiquiri Café) to celebrate culture, community, and cuisine.

People could come out and enjoy local Black-owned food trucks and music from 5-10 p.m.

Ownership said they just wanted to give people a place to have fun, come together, and celebrate Freedom Day.

Whether reflecting on the holiday’s history and meaning, or just enjoying and celebrating black culture, there were plenty of ways for people to celebrate Freedom Day.