WHAT COMES to mind when you hear the word “Juneteenth?” Some people think of the tireless strides made by civil rights advocates and allies alike, to end the battle against slavery. Others think it’s just another holiday off of work.
Juneteenth, also known as June 19, serves to commemorate the ending of a grueling time in American history and the end of when African American people worldwide were brought to America, in August of 1619, and sold into slavery.
Over 200 years later, on January 1, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation declaring all enslaved people in rebellious states, free. However, this did not abolish slavery entirely. Even after Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, up until June 19, 1865, African Americans were still enslaved in 12 states. On that day, soldiers traveled to Texas to announce the ending of the Civil War, which meant legal slavery had ended.
In 2021, President Joe Biden proclaimed Juneteenth a federal holiday, like the Fourth of July. There is still more work to be done to ensure safety and equity for all people regardless of race, religion, background, and ethnicity. Still, Juneteenth is more than a holiday; it is a pivotal moment in American history.
According to Rosenwald Recreation Community Center member Rose Peacock, their mission is to “Empower, involve, and educate the community by building a strong and caring team of members and volunteers who can help provide supportive recreation, cultural welfare programs, and resources for the Bedford County area.”
Gilliland House and Rosenwald Recreation leadership would like to welcome the community to commemorate Juneteenth and the history it encompasses, on Saturday, June 18, 2022. Gilliland House Co-Chair Joanne Gaunt said, “Juneteenth and the abolition of slavery is everybody’s history.”
The event will begin with a parade at 9:30 a.m. and a grand celebration on the Shelbyville Square.
Following the parade, at 10 a.m., Thomas Magnet School will host the girls and boys M&M Sports Clinic for grades 3-6. Transportation will be provided from the public square to Thomas Magnet School. The children will be brought back to the square to celebrate the remainder of the Juneteenth program.
The program will consist of special guest speakers, face painting, and African American history storytelling. Pastor Jason Scales with Believer’s Faith Fellowship will speak at noon. Everyone is invited to participate in a game of cornhole toss, while enjoying cultural music and dancing.
The county mayor will read his proclamation for the Juneteenth celebration. There will also be a reading of President Joe Biden’s proclamation, and a brief synopsis of Juneteenth and why it should be celebrated. Community members will not want to miss this special event. The Juneteenth holiday is a time of commemoration and celebration. GN
