New Orleans has several events this week in honor of Juneteenth, the federal holiday that commemorates the emancipation of enslaved people in the U.S. Why it matters: Juneteenth celebrations are growing amid a general backlash on civil rights and discussions on racism.

NEW ORLEANS — There are plenty of events popping up on Thursday, June 19th, to celebrate the Juneteenth holiday – the day all Americans were made truly free. At 9:30 a.m. on Thursday in Armstrong Park, the city will help cut the ribbon on a new art exhibition featuring sculptural drums, called The Stories of Us in New Orleans.

NEW ORLEANS ( WGNO) — Various Juneteenth celebrations will take place around New Orleans beginning Thursday, June 19. The Descendants of Truth and Reconciliation Foundation and The Stories of Us have launched a public art exhibition that is currently on display in Armstrong Park. It features 10 sculptural drums.