This year's extensive Juneteenth celebrations will end in a torchlight walk on the Richmond Slave Trail, past sites of historical importance in the city that had the second-largest slave market in America.

Juneteenth celebrates the day in 1865 when word came to slaves in Texas that they had been freed 2½ years earlier by the Emancipation Proclamation. Though the event is traditionally celebrated on June 19, the local event -- called Juneteenth, a Freedom Celebration -- will take place June 20 and 21.

Presented by the Elegba Folklore Society, the celebration will begin June 20 at 7 p.m. at the Greater Richmond Convention Center. On the schedule are a fashion show; a panel discussion about social change, hip-hop and this year's presidential election; African music, dance and storytelling by the Elegba Folklore Society; and a concert by the hip-hop group Dead Prez.

The events on June 21 will take place at the Manchester Dock on Maury Street, beginning at 3 p.m. with American Indian opening ceremonies, followed by an African dance community class. Also on the schedule are stories by J. Ron Fleming, along with speeches by Councilwoman Delores L. McQuinn, who is chairwoman of the Richmond Slave Trail Commission; Ana Edwards of the Sacred Ground Project; and Brother Manifest of Happily Natural Day, a Richmond-based organization.

The torchlight walk along the slave trail will start at 8 p.m.

Admission is $10 in advance or $15 at the door on June 20. On June 21, the African dance class only is $10. For details, call (804) 644-3900. -- Daniel Neman