The Tampa Police Department hosted the 3rd Annual Juneteenth Celebration at Fair Oaks Recreation Complex. Conrad joined the festivities, saw some old friends and met some new ones. TPD demonstrated the value of celebrating Juneteenth and strengthening relationships in the community with this event. Conrad believes a community succeeds when it works together, not only internally, but also with the municipality. #juneteenth #tampapolice

On June 19, the United States celebrates Juneteenth to commemorate the true end of slavery. Although President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, and the 13th Amendment later abolished the practice nationwide, thousands of enslaved African Americans remained unaware of their freedom for years. It was not until June 19, 1865 – two and a half years after Lincoln's declaration – that Union forces arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas, with an executive decre