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Wednesday, June 19 marks Juneteenth, the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States.
Macomb's Mt. Calvary Church of God in Christ will host the sixth annual Juneteenth Celebration, 'Freedom: Yesterday's Legacy, Today's Promise, Tomorrow's Hope.'
The event, which will be held from noon-4 p.m.
Saturday, June 13 at 1500 E.
Pierce St. in Macomb, will include games, food, raffles, vendors, entertainment, free haircuts for kids, a foam party and giveaways. Kids' haircuts will be available from 9 a.m.-noon (by appointment) and minors must be accompanied by an adult. To schedule an appointment for hair cut call (309) 255-6061 or (309) 252-1162. If no answer, leave a message and phone number for call back To volunteer, participate or donate to the June 13 event, contact Belinda Carr at (309)255-6061 or Valarie Johnson at (309) 318-1536.
Checks, payable to Mt. Calvary COGIC, can be mailed to 1500 E. Pierce St., or can be picked up by contacting Carr or Johnson. Individuals, businesses and organizations donating items can contact Valarie Johnson at (309) 318-1536 to coordinate pick-up.
'The Juneteenth event is an opportunity to come together as a community to celebrate freedom, reflect on our shared history and honor the rich culture and contributions that continue to shape our community,' Carr shared.
Dating back to 1865, it was on June 19 that Union soldiers, led by Maj. Gen.
Gordon Granger, landed at Galveston, TX 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 Juneteenth celebration grew from the profound experiences that day when many learned of their freedom. From that freedom, it grew out of the surmounting challenges that lay ahead.
And it continues to grow from the perseverance required and the dignity to overcome adversity and achieve fulfillment. Juneteenth is also known as Freedom Day.
The June 13 Juneteenth Celebration hosted by Mt.
Calvary COGIC is open free to the public.
