Juneteenth: A Celebration of Freedom

“The observance of Juneteenth is about the journey and achievement of African Americans - from a horrific period of sanctioned enslavement to the pinnacle of human endeavors. It is a story of pride, resilience and determination that will always be of historical and spiritual importance – as it serves us well to understand that together, we can overcome all obstacles in our path.“

The History

Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States. Dating back to 1865, it was on June 19th that the Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, landed at Galveston, Texas with news that the war had ended and that the enslaved were now free. Note that this was two and a half years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation - which had become official January 1, 1863. The Emancipation Proclamation had little impact on the Texans due to the minimal number of Union troops to enforce the new Executive Order. However, with the surrender of General Lee in April of 1865, and the arrival of General Granger’s regiment, the forces were finally strong enough to influence and overcome the resistance.

One of General Granger’s first orders of business was to read to the people of Texas, General Order Number 3 which began most significantly with:

"The people of Texas are informed that in accordance with a Proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and free laborer."

Recounting the memories of that great day in June of 1865 and its festivities would serve as motivation as well as a release from the growing pressures encountered in their new territory. The celebration of June 19th was coined "Juneteenth" and grew with more participation from descendants.

Join us in celebrating this momentous part of history with these events held at The American Theatre on August 20-21!

The 6th Annual Virginia Juneteenth Jazz & Heritage Reconciliation Concert features founder Rev. Ronald Myers on trumpet and piano, legendary bassist Herman Burney, saxophonist Todd Ledbetter, trumpeter Bob Ransom and drummer Junie McDonald and more at The American Theatre on Saturday, August 20 at 7pm. Tickets are available: http://bit.ly/2awgJay

The 6th Annual African Diaspora Film – Bound is a hard-hitting documentary that addresses the tension between Africans and African Americans.  will also be a part of the celebration. The film screens at The American Theatre on Sunday, August 21 at 5pm. Tickets are available: http://bit.ly/2aXvQHx