Larry B. Butler

As we celebrate Juneteenth, which is tomorrow, we honor the day in 1865 when the last enslaved Americans learned of their freedom — more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation.

Juneteenth is both a celebration and a reminder: freedom, justice, and opportunity must be protected and expanded for every generation. Here in Connecticut, we recognize the strength, resilience, and contributions of Black communities that have helped shape our state and our nation.

I encourage all of us to reflect on our shared history, celebrate the progress we have made, and recommit ourselves to building a future rooted in equity, dignity, and opportunity for all.

The City of Waterbury hosts its official Juneteenth Celebration on Friday, June 19, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at City Hall. The ceremony includes a Juneteenth flag raising, speakers honoring the legacy of emancipation, and vendors highlighting local Black-owned businesses and community organizations.

Wishing you and your family a meaningful and joyful Juneteenth.

If you travel on Route 8 or I-84, be prepared for overnight delays this summer and beyond as the state begins bridge improvement projects in Waterbury and Middlebury.

Beginning on Sunday, June 28, drivers can expect lane closures from 7:30 p.m. to 5:30 a.m., Sunday through Thursday night, through Friday, October 9. The work will affect the following bridges:

• Route 8 North and South Near Exit 27 in Waterbury
• I-84 East and West over Route 188 in Middlebury
• I-84 East and West over Route 63 in Middlebury