A Klan rally, a Gay Pride parade and now this. It's really looking like a day to just stay at home.
Today is a day for celebrating black Americans' independence. Called Juneteenth, it is a celebration of the end of slavery and the Civil War.
On June 19, 1865, the slaves in Galveston, Texas, received the news that the war was over and they were free, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation became official Jan. 1, 1863. They were considered to be the last slaves to be freed.
"They started their own little Fourth of July, but instead of calling it the Fourth of July, they called it Juneteenth," said Jo-Anne Saunders, the development coordinator for the Center for African-American History, Art and Culture in Aiken.
The day became an annual celebration for all black Americans as a way to celebrate their heritage.
The center will hold a Juneteenth celebration at Aiken's Perry Park today.
The free event, which begins at 10 a.m., will include inflatables, a barbecue cook-off, gospel choirs, a health fair and a step show.
Saunders said the event is larger this year, with more than 20 vendors expected.
A similar celebration was held in Augusta last year, organized by members of the African-American Association. Illnesses plaguing members have kept the organization from planning a celebration this year, but president Edythe Diamond said it held its first one in 2005.
A typical celebration by the association includes a musical performance; an awards ceremony for youth in categories such as writing, dancing or music; and a poetry reading.
Members have already begun planning next year's celebration, Diamond said.
Other Juneteenth celebrations are harder to find, often limited to small groups who are interested in history, said Corey Rogers of the Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History.
He said he believes there is an ebb and flow of interest in the holiday, as new generations become interested in preserving the stories of their ancestors.
"Who knows, in the next five or 10 years you may see a resurgence," he said.
The day's significance extends beyond a celebration of freedom and beyond the parameters of black culture, Rogers said.
"Even if the holiday went away, I think the importance of it is how important it is to know your family's history," he said.
WHAT: Juneteenth Celebration in the Park, includes inflatables, face painting, arts and crafts, step show, barbecue cook-off, gospel choirs and a silent auction
WHEN: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. today
WHERE: Perry Park in Aiken, behind Schofield Middle School
Comments
A Klan rally, a Gay Pride parade and now this. It's really looking like a day to just stay at home.
Couldn't this date be deemed into February so it can get the attention it deserves?
Legend has it while standing on the balcony of Galveston’s Ashton Villa, (Union General Gordon) Granger read the contents of “General Order No. 3”
The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of personal rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired labor. The freedmen are advised to remain quietly at their present homes and work for wages. They are informed that they will not be allowed to collect at military posts and that they will not be supported in idleness either there or elsewhere.
It is so amazing. I just started looking at blogs about 2 months ago because I took the summer off with my son. It's sad how much prejudice is out there. You sort of know that some people still have prejudice views, but wow! When you look at blogs, it is so inherent in who they are, that I just praise God that my heart is clear and I have respect for everyone. It's amazing! Those little, hidden icons show the true heart of people. I thank God for teaching me how to love, because He first loved me.
and thus began the era of sharecropping - you work my fields. i charge you for living on my land and eating my food and by the way, the charges will be more than i pay you and you can not leave until you pay all you owe.
Juneteenth coinciding with the Augusta Gay Pride parade....who woulda thunk it?
And folks were making light of the KKK's timing on their rally....
Didn't they have a typo or something Juneteenth was nine days ago. they will have to wait til necks year on June 10th.. GOOD DAY.
Sorry, Catfish! "Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, is an American holiday honoring African American heritage. It commemorates the announcement of the abolition of slavery in the U.S. State of Texas in 1865. Celebrated on June 19, the term is a portmanteau of June and nineteenth, and is recognized as a state holiday in 36 states of the United States.
Absolutely rmajor, but it is good to see the hate and ignorance they spew so people will be aware there are still people out there who think like they do...Plus it's easy to talk the trash they talk all while their identity is protected behind a fake name and avatar...They will be the first to tell you how many friends they have who are black. If you counting you are faking...
Sarge you enlightened me again....But why only 36 states?
Too bad slavery still exists today. I wish that Juneteenth was the day that everyone broke the bonds of the slavery that exists today. But, it'll never happen. Ignorance is bliss.
catfish, oh, I don't know, probably because there weren't any slaves in the other 14 states? Why would all 50 states observe something that happened in Texas?
That's like saying all 50 states should observe Sept 9th as California Admission Day.
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