Groups hold Juneteenth events
By Jon Busdeker on Jun. 14, 2007
The Booker T. Washington National Monument will host the Juneteenth Gospel Music Celebration beginning at 9:30 a.m. Saturday. Admission is free.
People are invited to join in the fellowship, fun and festivities as the community comes together to celebrate the moment of emancipation. The celebration commemorates the release of approximately four million people of African descent from the bonds of slavery at the end of the Civil War.
The program will include a time to explore Booker T. Washington’s life on the Burroughs Plantation, a commemoration of emancipation with the Tears of Freedom Program and 10 gospel music performances.
Vendors will serve a variety of foods. Bring a chair for lawn seating. For more information call (540) 721-2094.
The 2007 Juneteenth Freddom and Heritage Celebration will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at Riverfront Festival Park on Jefferson Street.
The festival will feature African-American heritage demonstrations, dancers, poetry readings, family-oriented music, choirs, food, craft vendors and Health Fair 2007, offering free services and information.
Juneteenth is the oldest celebration of the ending of slavery in this country. The celebration initially grew out of the freed slaves’ desire to remember that day in June 1865. Juneteenth today celebrates African-American freedom while encouraging self-development and respect for all cultures.
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