"But, if this part of our history could be told in such a way that those chains of the past, those shackles that physically bound us together against our wills could, in the telling, become spiritual links that willingly bind us together now and into the future - then that painful Middle Passage could become, ironically, a positive connecting line to all of us whether living inside or outside the continent of Africa..."
Tom Feelings
We can only imagine the joy, jubilation and trepidation of our ancestors on June 19, 1865 when Major General Granger rode into Galveston, Texas and informed everyone that slavery was abolished. We know that it left enough of an impression that the day is still commemorated today. Juneteenth has become the independence day for African Americans.
One of the first things that the newly freed slaves did was to thank God and begin looking for family. In that spirit Juneteenth has continued to be a day of thanksgiving, prayer service, bringing together family, connecting with the past and celebrating our accomplishments.
This year 2019 is especially important because it will mark the 154th year of celebrating Juneteenth and represents the 400th anniversary – 1619 – of when enslaved Africans arrived in Hampton, Virginia aboard a Dutch ship. Juneteenth Celebrations will be held will be across the country this weekend. Check your local historic societies and museums for more information. Here are
a few listings:
The Johnson House Historic Site -6306 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19144 (215) 438-1768 continues a 13-year tradition with its Philadelphia Juneteenth Festival, a free day of cultural and educational presentations vendors and performances including a Children's Village, a street festival, and a Beer and Hard Cider Garden on Saturday, June 15 from noon to 7pm.
10th Annual Juneteenth Heritage Festival - Join
Black Arts LA for their 10th year celebrating one of the greatest events in American history on June 15-16 from noon - 6pm! Bring family and friends to enjoy the 2-day free outdoor festival showcasing outstanding work from fine artists, fashion & jewelry designers and food artists as well as enjoy great music. Be sure to visit their History/Inventors area, Health Village, and Technology Tent. Fun for the whole family!In Leimert Park Village, Degnan Blvd & 43rd Street, Los Angeles 90008.
(310) 631-3130.
32nd Annual Berkeley CA Juneteenth Festival! - Adeline St. at Alcatraz Ave, Berkeley, CA. The Juneteenth Festival is held annually in June in South Berkeley’s 5-block Alcatraz-Adeline Corridor with performances, children's events, fashion, art and basketball on June 16 from 11am-7pm.
Juneteenth Celebration - Nautilus Playground- W. 30th St. & W. 32nd St, Brooklyn, NY - join NYC Parks, Alvin Ailey Extension, and NYC Council Member Mark Treyger as we commemorate the abolition of slavery and the emancipation of enslaved African-Americans throughout the former Confederacy of the southern United States. This wonderful event will feature music, dance and community performances on June 19, 2019 from 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.
10th Annual Juneteenth 2019 Festival - "Back to the Future" - in Brooklyn, NY at Gershwin Park, 800 Van Siclen Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11207 There will be vendors selling crafts and food (really good food), activities for kids, games for parents and their children, a wonderful showcase, great raffle prizes and Trivia about the African American journey. Enjoy the parade on June 15 from 11am - 6pm.
