Communities across New Hampshire marked the Juneteenth holiday Friday.
In Portsmouth, the city's African Burying Ground Memorial was the scene of drumming, singing and dancing.
Reverend Rose Marie Pete of the North Star AME Zion Church in Newington said the day — which commemorates the end of slavery in the U.S. — was an opportunity to reflect on the country's complicated history.
"Today we gather not only to celebrate a holiday, but to honor a journey," she told the assembled crowd. "A journey of pain and perseverance. A journey of bondage and breakthrough. A journey of sorrows, survivors, faith and freedom."
The Akwaaba Ensemble led celebrants in West African drumming, singing and dancing in honor of the holiday.
The day started with a Freedom Walk from Kittery, Maine, to downtown Portsmouth. It was one of several events across the state marking Juneteenth.
Nashua, Manchester and Keene also hosted events marking Juneteenth.
