Why do we celebrate Juneteenth?
Juneteenth has become not only a time to commemorate Black liberation from the institution of slavery, but also an acknowledgment of resilience, solidarity, and culture of the Black community. Juneteenth allows us all to join together to celebrate the freedoms and lives that generations before have fought bravely to secure.
History of Juneteenth.
During the American Civil War (1861 - 1865), emancipation was implemented in different places at different times. Emancipation became a well-known cause of celebration across the United States. Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on September 22, 1862 and it went into effect on January 1, 1863.
It was not until June 18, 1865, two and a half years after the signing of the proclamation was issued, that the Union army arrived in Galveston, Texas. The next day, on June 19, 1865, Union soldiers issued General Order No. 3, which informed Texans that enslaved persons were free.
The City of Rocky Mount is proud to Present the Annual
Juneteenth Community Empowerment Festival
Friday, June 16th Through Sunday, June 18th
