Juneteenth Celebration

On June 19, 1865, two and a half years after Lincoln proclaimed the freedom of all slaves in the Emancipation Proclamation, Union soldiers finally brought the news to Galvestan, TX that the war was over and all the slaves were freed. Until that point, there were not enough Union soldiers in Texas to enforce the new law, but the additional troops under the leadership of Major General Gordan Granger were finally able to enforce freedom for every slave. (Read more here.)

Now, Juneteenth is a day for all people to come together to acknowledge a truly horrid period of US history and to focus on education and achievement.

Come celebrate this Saturday, June 19, at Watkins Regional Park from noon until 5pm. This free Juneteenth celebration features live entertainment throughout the day (Jazz, Blues, Gospel and lots of dancing!), guest speakers, arts and craft and--of course!--great food. (I imagine there are nominal costs for the food and arts and crafts.) You can attend a "Footprints and Roots" genealogical and historical workshop or bring your chessboard and meet and learn from Chess Instructor/Coach Ted Fagan of the Eagle Chess Academy.

Don't forget your picnic blanket or lawn chairs!

Additional Details:

Juneteenth Celebration
Saturday, June 19, noon-5pm
Watkins Regional Park
301 Watkins park Drive
Upper Marlboro, MD

Original post by Out by Ten. Thanks for reading!