Juneteenth, the oldest known celebration honoring the liberation of all African American slaves in the United States, was hosted by the city of Groveland on June 19 in Lake David Park.
“Juneteenth marks a significant day in history for our entire nation,” said Mayor, Evelyn Wilson. “We hope that by celebrating this event, it helps to bring awareness for some, but education for all.”
The word “Juneteenth,” also known as Freedom Day, is a term for June 19th and commemorates the ending of slavery in the United States. Despite President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation officially outlawing slavery in 1863, it was not until June 19, 1865, that Union General Gordon Granger led thousands of federal troops to Galveston, Texas to announce that the Civil War had ended and slaves had been freed. Approximately 250,000 Texan slaves were unaware that their freedom had been secured by the government. Some enslaved people who should’ve been freed continued to work through the harvest season because their masters withheld this announcement to reap more wages out of their slaves.
Groveland’s Juneteenth celebration featured local guest speakers to include elected officials and Groveland native Dr. Rick Adams, President and CEO of Mindway International, LLC. The commemoration also showcased live musical performances, various food and craft vendors, family activities, African Congolese Tribal performances, raffle prizes and more.
Guests had a rare opportunity to try first-time Juneteenth related food items, from participating food vendors. Each vendor served at least one customary celebratory food item, which symbolizes the resilience and remembrance of former slaves. The red drinks and foods at Juneteenth celebrations symbolize the bloodshed by enslaved ancestors due to the transatlantic slave trade.
See more at https://fb.watch/6gDUSgd4Nt/
It was a beautiful day at Lake David Park to celebrate the country’s newest National Holiday.
Click the link to view the live-stream video presented by the City of Groveland
