Watch live: President Biden hosts a Juneteenth concert at White House

President Biden will hold an early Juneteenth celebration Monday evening with headliners Gladys Knight and Patti LaBelle, known as the “Empress of Soul” and “Godmother of Soul,” respectively.

Observed each June 19, Juneteenth has grown into a national commemoration of freedom for Black Americans. The holiday began as a regional remembrance of the day in 1865 when belated news of the Emancipation Proclamation arrived in Galveston, Texas.

The lineup of performers at the White House event also includes gospel singer Kirk Franklin, rapper Doug E. Fresh, country singer-songwriter Brittney Spencer, and jazz artist Trombone Shorty.

The event is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. EDT.

Watch the live video above.