Wednesday marked 154 years since slaves in Texas learned they were free.
The word came more than two years after President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation.
In Muskogee, the day was celebrated with a community BBQ and stories of a local reverend's run-in with the KKK.
Those who attended say they are proud to celebrate the independence of African Americans.
"We've come a long way, but we still have a way to go," said Muskogee business owner Traci McGee. "I know my grandmother and my great-grandfather they would be very proud for us to come out and celebrate the freedom."
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