Juneteenth to be celebrated at Whitaker Equine Pavilion
Posted on Saturday, June 16, 2007
URL: http://www.nwanews.com/nwat/News/54120/
Northwest Arkansas residents are invited to commemorate the 142 nd anniversary of African American emancipation today with a celebration at the Pauline Whitaker Equine Pavilion.
The University of Arkansas Multicultural Center and the Juneteenth Planning Committee are hosting the 10 th annual Northwest Arkansas Juneteenth Celebration from 11 a. m. to 5 p. m.
Activities are free and include a cookout, guest speakers, musical entertainment, games for kids, art displays, snow cones, ice cream, face painting, a Star Walk Bounce and an inflatable 22-foot slide.
There will also be a silent auction, which will benefit student scholarships at the University of Arkansas.
The Fayetteville Fire Department will have a fire truck on display and the Fayetteville Police Department will give free child-safety seat checks from 1 to 3 p. m.
KFSM reporter Frank Wiley will serve as the master of ceremonies for the event and guest speaker Terrence Tucker, professor of English at the University of Arkansas, will speak on “ Juneteenth: The Promise Then and the Responsibility Now. ”
On June 19, 1865, in Galveston, Texas, Union General Gordon Granger announced freedom for all slaves in the southwest. Upon the reading of the order, the former slaves rejoiced, establishing America’s second Independence Day celebration and the oldest African American holiday observance.
Juneteenth is now recognized as a state holiday in Arkansas, Texas, Oklahoma, Florida, Delaware, Idaho, Alaska, Iowa, California, Wyoming, Missouri, Connecticut, Illinois, Louisiana, New Jersey, New York, Kentucky and Michigan.
It was recognized as a state memorial day by the Arkansas Legislature in 2006.
Today the holiday is a celebration of education and achievement and time for reflection and rejoicing for people of all races.