Athens residents are joining others around the nation in observing Juneteenth events today and this weekend.
Events in Athens include “The Church in Solidarity,” a silent protest starting at Ebenezer Baptist Church West on Chase Street at 6 pm Friday evening.
A celebration at Rolling Ridge Apartments at 7 pm Friday night which will include performances and fireworks.In additon, the Interfaith Clergy Partnership of Greater Athens will host a prayer vigil for healing and racial unity at 5 p.m. Friday at City Hall in celebration of Juneteenth.
Though the Emancipation Proclamation was issued in September of 1862, the news didn’t reach the last of enslaved people in Galveston, Texas until June 19, 1865.
Athens resident and college student Daelynn White Johnson.
“Juneteenth means a lot to me, I don’t even celebrate [the]Fourth of July because that’s not my Independence Day, Juneteenth is my independence day. 100 years after Fourth of July.”
Juneteenth is recognized as a state holiday or day of observance in 47 states and there is currently a move to make Juneteenth a national holiday. It is also known as Freedom Day, Emancipation Day, Jubilee Day and Liberation Day.
The only states not holding Juneteenth observations are Hawaii, North and South Dakota.