'Freedom: Yesterday's Legacy, Today's Promise, Tomorrow's Hope'
Friday, June 19 is Juneteenth, the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States, and 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 was originally set for June 13, will now be held from 4-8 p.m., Friday, June 19, at 1500 E. Pierce St. in Macomb, will include games, food, raffles, vendors, entertainment, a foam party and giveaways. Please note, haircuts will not be available; however, a separate event will be held closer to the start of the new school year.
To volunteer, participate or donate to the June 19 event, contact Belinda Carr at (309)255-6061 or Valarie Johnson at (309) 318-1536.
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 19 Juneteenth Celebration hosted by Mt. Calvary COGIC is open free to the public.
