Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. It honors the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States on June 19, 1865. Juneteenth was recognized as a federal holiday in 2021.
The day is also called “Emancipation Day” and “Freedom Day.”
The Emancipation Proclamation was issued by Abraham Lincoln on September 22, 1862. It went into effect on January 1, 1863. However, slaves were not set free in the Confederacy until the Union Army took over. On June 18, 1865 the Union Army arrived in Galveston, Texas. The next day General Gordon Granger announced that the slaves in Texas were free by order of the President of the United States. The first Juneteenth celebration took place the very next year.
Celebrations of the day include parades, marches and barbecues. Many gather for ceremonies that include public service awards, prayer and the raising of the Juneteenth Flag of Freedom. The flag is half red and half blue with a star in the middle.
Juneteenth also celebrates African American culture.
As the late United States Representative John Lewis righteously stated, “You must never ever give out. We must keep the faith because we are one people. We all live in the same house, the American house.”
Former President Barack Obama once avowed, “Juneteenth has never been a celebration of victory or an acceptance of the way things are. It’s a celebration of progress. It’s an affirmation that despite the most painful parts of our history, change is possible––and there is still so much work to do.”
Let us remember the wisdom and follow the lead. There is still much work to do.
** The first free show in our Voorhees Summer Concert Series is Thursday, June 15 at 7:30pm at Connolly Park and will feature “Shaman,” the Ultimate Santana Tribute Band. Enjoy the fusion of Rock, Blues, Jazz, Salsa and Reggae, the band’s distinctive sound. The Beer Garden and food trucks will open at 6:30pm. Bring your lawn chairs or blankets. For more information, visit voorheesnj.com or call the Show Hot Line at 856-882-SHOW.
** The Alicia Rose Victorious Foundation in partnership with Dooney’s Pub will host the 3rd Annual Golf Outing on June 19 at Little Mill Country Club. Sponsorship packages and registration are open for a limited time. For more information, e-mail gdinatale@arvf.org or call (856)784-0615.
** Voorhees Township is offering discounted tickets for Morey’s Amusement Piers and Water Parks located on the Boardwalk in Wildwood, NJ. Tickets may be obtained in person from the Office of the Voorhees Township Clerk (856) 429-7757 and are payable by CASH ONLY. Tickets are available to residents and non-residents. The tickets do not expire.
** The Animal Welfare Association presents “Barking Lot Sips & Brews” on Thursday, June 22 from 5:30-8:30pm on the AWA Campus. Live Music by Opus Soul, Food Trucks, Tito’s Signature Cocktails, the Berlin Brewing Company and a Corn Hole Tournament. This is a free and pet-friendly event. For more information, contact Meggin Olivo at (609) 706-9841 or visit www.awanj.org
