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Juneteenth celebrations in New York City Photo: Justin Aharoni _NEW YORK _IS COMMITTED TO COVERING THIS ESSENTIAL MOMENT _We’ve removed our paywall from this and other stories about police
brutality and systemic racism. __Consider becoming a subscriber__ to support our journalists._ This year’s Juneteenth followed weeks of nationwide protests — born out of tragedy, pain, and
righteous outrage — that have fueled the Black Lives Matter movement to dramatic new heights and influence. It has been difficult progress, as overdue as it is incomplete, and the unrest has
not only led to greater awareness and recognition of longstanding racial injustice and inequality, but of the unique and essential experiences and contributions of Black Americans now and
throughout history. It has also thankfully focused more attention on Juneteenth, the holiday celebrating the end of slavery in America. Collected in this gallery are scenes from Friday’s
Juneteenth celebrations throughout the country. A woman raises her fist during events to mark Juneteenth, in the Harlem, NY. Photo: Andrew Kelly/ REUTERS Juneteenth celebrations in New York
Photo: Steven John Irby Juneteenth in New York City Photo: JD Barnes/Essence Juneteenth in New York City Photo: Steven John Irby Juneteenth celebrations in Phildelphia Photo: Marcus Maddox
Juneteenth celebrations in Phildelphia Photo: Marcus Maddox Juneteenth celebrations in Phildelphia Photo: Marcus Maddox Juneteenth celebrations in Minneapolis Photo: Wale Agboola Kids dance
on 16th Street Northwest renamed Black Lives Matter Plaza near the White House in Washington, to mark Juneteenth. Photo: Susan Walsh/AP/Shutterstock Juneteenth celebrations in Richmond, VA.
Photo: Mel D. Cole Woman prays during a OneRace March on Atlanta prayer service and march in response to recent racially violence, in Atlanta Photo: John Bazemore/AP/Shutterstock People jump
rope during a Juneteenth holiday celebration in Los Angeles, California, USA, 19 June 2020. Photo: CHRISTIAN MONTERROSA/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock