Today is Juneteenth, a holiday that commemorates the abolition of slavery. It started in Texas but has since grown to a popular celebration around the country, especially in the south. And there are a lot of events today to celebrate on Georgia Avenue. Check them out!
Here’s more from the organizers of today’s events.
Come + Celebrate the 150th Anniversary of
JUNETEENTH (African American Freedom Day)
on Georgia Avenue with 2 great events!
Juneteenth (Freedom Day) is one of the celebrations commemorating the ending of slavery in the USA. On June 19, 1865 Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, landed at Galveston, TX with news that the war had ended and that the enslaved were now free. This was 2.5 years after Pres. Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863. The Emancipation Proclamation had little impact on the Texans because there were only a few Union troops to enforce it. With the surrender of General Lee, in April of 1865, + arrival of General Granger’s regiment, the forces were finally strong enough to influence and overcome the resistance.
Friday, June 19, 2015
3:00 PM to 5:00 PM: Georgia Avenue’s OWN, White House awarded, M.O.M.I.E’s TLC children’s program will feature an interactive children’s Black history booth on Robert Smalls (who escaped from bondage during the Civil War). Location: the M.O.M.I.E’s TLC patio at 2616 Georgia Avenue, NW, WDC 20001 (right across from Howard Univ’s school of Biz, at Euclid + Ga Ave., NW, for more info see: www.momiestlc.org). Additionally, author and social entrepreneur Ayize Sabater will read from + sign his book: Tellin’ Children Our Story which is a fun resource book on `how to’ use history to inspire children. Books can be purchased on site (for more contact: 240.286.3765 or www.nmconsulting.org). AND
5:30 PM to 8:00 PM : Historian, author and lecturer C.R. Gibbs (www.newlineartist.com) will present the Secret History of Juneteenth and sign his books. His books can be purchased on site. Join us for a reception featuring – Texas style barbeque (FREE while supplies last or you can purchase from Torries menu) (Torries@Wilson’s), Entertainment, Stimulating conversations… Location: Torries Restaurant., 700 V Street, NW, WDC 20001 (V Street on GA Ave. NW). Please RSVP by E-Mailing: juneteenthongeorgia@gmail.com or calling: 202. 549.0176.
For more info. contact: JuneteenthonGeorgia@gmail.com or call: 202. 549.0176. Partnerships + Sponsors are encouraged.
Sponsors: G. Avery + Associates (ginia@gaveryaa.com, 202.549.0176), (www.gaveryaa.com); Lockhart Insurance Services (bj@lisdc.com ), 202.829.6222., Fax: 202.291.9452, (www.lisdc.com) Emergence Community Arts Collective (www.ecacollective.org); Georgia Avenue Community Development Task Force (202.462.2285).
