Community Celebration: Two Local Juneteenth Events on tap Today, plus Music, Food and Activities

History of Juneteenth Goes Back to Emancipation Proclamation

On January 1, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, setting in motion the end of slavery in the United States. The Civil War ended with the surrender of General Robert E. Lee at Appomattox Court House on April 9, 1865. The news that all slaves were free reached Texas when Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston Bay with Union troops on June 19, 1865, over two years after the issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation.

The celebration of the end of slavery, which became known as Juneteenth, is the oldest known public celebration of this monumental achievement. Juneteenth both commemorates the promise, and recognizes the deferral, of African American freedom and celebrates the opportunity for the nearly 4 million newly freed Black Americans to gain education at more than 90 Historically Black Colleges and Universities that were founded between 1861 and 1900.

Check out the Senior Center Potluck Honoring Juneteenth

When: June 19 from 12-1:30 p.m. at the Senior Center: Potluck lunch and discussion.

Following lunch, you have the option of staying and joining a “Something To Talk About” discussion on freedom and how we can ensure freedom for all. Questions?

Email ann.lovejoy@gmail.com

City of Bainbridge Island Juneteenth Celebration at Town Square 

June 19 from 4-8 p.m. at Bainbridge Performing Arts and Town Square

Celebrate Juneteenth: For the Love of Freedom! There will be music, food, performers, speakers, and community (stage events 4:30-6p.m.).

Hosted by City of Bainbridge Island, Bainbridge Performing Arts, Bainbridge Island Museum of Art, Bainbridge Black, Moonlight Market, BARN, Living Arts Cultural Heritage.

Events/Activities starting at 4p.m.

Moonlight Market Black-owned vendors and food trucks

DJ Summer soft

BARN printing press/community art project

BIMA kids corner with books and Juneteenth craft activities
Reparations information

Artwork

Historical display

Info from the library and BISD Multicultural Advisory Committee

On the Stage from 4:30-6:00 p.m.

Welcome

Land Acknowledgement

Proclamation

Performance

Keynote – Akuyea Vargas

Performance Dance – Lydia Olsen

Bystander training panel discussing Equity work within City of Bainbridge Island government

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