More on Juneteenth

June 19th commemorates the freeing of enslaved blacks in the United States. While President Lincoln had issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, not all states immediately complied. Juneteenth marks the day in 1865 when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas - the last state in the union to acknowledge the proclamation - to take control of the state and ensure that all enslaved people would be freed.

More about the celebration at the Marietta Square: Juneteenth today celebrates African American freedom while encouraging self-development and respect for all cultures. The free cultural festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and feature live music and entertainment, arts and crafts, vendors, face painting, food, a health fair and free health screenings. Masks are recommended.

Look for us: The following are some of the individuals who plan to attend the event: Nancy Barke, Caroline Brenan, Althea Dillard, Mother Sarah Fisher, Rebeccah George, Bettye Harris, Susan Jablonski, Audrey Nesbit, Pat Pepper, Margaret Shaw, Sue Snape, Sara Thomas, and Natalie Whitlow. Contact Audrey Nesbit (serendipity41a@gmail.com) or Sara Thomas (sthomas8677@gmail.com) if you have a question!