COMMUNITY PREPARES FOR JUNETEENTH FESTIVAL, APRIL 27-MAY 3, 2006

by JOHANNA THATCH-BRIGGS The Wilmington Journal Originally posted 5/1/2006 A celebration is in the making as the Juneteenth Committee of Wilmington and the Tauheed Islamic Center is gearing up for the local annual Juneteenth Festival. Members of the community are encouraged to mark the calendar for Friday, June 16 and Saturday, June 17 for a weekend filled with various activities.Across the nation, African American communities will honor former slaves from Galveston, Texas who had no idea they had been liberated through the Emancipation Proclamation, which took effect on January 1, 1863. In fact over two years had passed when Major General Gordon Granger traveled through Galveston spreading the word on June 19, 1865. When they heard of the news, the freed slaves celebrated for days.Today the tradition is being carried out by the descendents of African slaves, and it has been deemed as a time for assessment and self-improvement.This year, Friday’s activities will include a talent show for children ages 12 and under and teenager ages 13 and older. Prizes will be awarded.On Saturday, a parade will line up at 10 a.m. at Fifth and Castle streets. Full Story: http://wilmingtonjournal.blackpressusa.com/news/Article/Article.asp?NewsID=68949&sID=84