“Freedom: From Slavery to Celebration”
This year marks the 150th anniversary
celebrating the freeing of slaves in America. On January 1, 1863 President
Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation declaring “that all
persons held as slaves” within the rebellious states “are and hence forward
shall be free”. However, it took two years until word reached Texas and longer
for people in other states to learn about the announcement. General Gordon Granger, supported by nearly
2,000 troops arrived in Galveston, Texas on June 19, 1865 to make the
announcement. That day is now known as
“Juneteenth”, which is a combination of two words “June” and “nineteenth”.
After 1865 celebrations to remember this historic event
took place around rivers and church grounds.
As years past, activities like rodeos, fishing, bar-b-cuing, baseball
and others were added. Favorite foods
often eaten at “Juneteenth” events were strawberry soda, lamb, pork and
beef. Education and self- improvement
were essential to the festivities. Guest
speakers and elders reminded people about the past in their speeches and
prayers.
During the Civil Rights Movement in the 1950s and 60s
there was a resurgence of interest in “Juneteenth” celebrations. In 1980, Texas named it an official state
holiday.
Prior to 1995 Junction City, Fort Riley and Manhattan
communities held combined “Juneteenth” celebrations. Al Hope, who worked in the Human Resources
Department for the City of Junction City collaborated with Delilah Hamilton to
establish Junction City’s own celebration.
In September 1995 plans were made to expand the concept to recognize the
diversity in Junction City with an “International Day” in combination with
“Juneteenth”. However, one year later
“Juneteenth” was moved back to the second Saturday in June to avoid conflict
with Manhattan’s celebration. The focus
was also changed to be less on the different cultures, but more on the
celebration of the freedom of African-Americans.
Al
Hope left the area in 1995 and Joniece Pitts took over the leadership of
organizing the “Juneteenth” celebrations in Junction City. Joniece and others expanded the event to not
only having speakers and food items available, but included an essay contest,
parade, dancing, choirs singing and an essay contest to select a recipient for
a St. Xavier’s and/or Junction City High School graduate to receive post high
school training.
The
Junction City “Juneteenth” celebrations have been held in a variety of
locations. Some of them included the 12th
Street Community Center, Hammond Park, Cleary Park and most recently Heritage
Park.
During twenty-one years of celebrations held in Junction
City, leaders within the Junction City Juneteenth Community Association have
had events co-sponsored by the Kansas Native Plant Society and Prairie
Heritage, Inc., Kansas State University Dairy Department, and the Junction City
Police Department (movie night). Margy Stewart and Ron Young with Prairie
Heritage, Inc. has provided other opportunities for those interested to learn
more about the Tall Grass Prairie, wildflowers and star gazing at Bird Runner
Wildlife Refuge on Lower McDowell Creek Road.
This
year’s sponsors include; Eagle Communications, Armed Forces Bank, The Daily
Union, Advanced Call Center Technologies (ACT), New Directions, Fraternal Order
of Eagles Aux. #830, Corvias Housing Group, HardStyle Teddy (Kickboxing and
Martial Arts), Sunflower Bank, Central National Bank, Exchange Bank, Millennium
Bank, Kaw Valley Engineering, Inc., The Grove, Screen Machine, Jack & Dicks
Pawn Shop, Bayer Construction Co. Inc., Jim Clark Chevrolet, Second Missionary
Baptist Church, Bruce McMillan, AIA, Architects, P.A., Bramlage Family
Foundation, St. Tabitha Chapter #75 OES, Courtyard by Marriott, Candlewood
Suites, Dick Edwards Auto Plaza, Open Door Community House, Walmart Store #43, Aaron's
Furniture, Foster Cuts, Junction City Abstract & Title Co. Inc., and
Footlocker.
The 2016 “Juneteenth” festival in Junction City celebrates
its 21st year and will be held with events and activities on three
different days. on June 10th a Movie Night in the park sponsored by
Junction City Police Department featuring the movie Big Hero 6 with free admission and free popcorn; on June 11th the
festival at Heritage Park from 11:00 am-5:00 pm in Heritage Park with the
headliner band, “The Just Us” band from Wichita, KS. Other activities include The
Kansas City Marching Cobras, The First ID Band from Fort Riley, a jazz trio
from Kansas State University, gospel music, praise dancers, games, bouncy
houses, kickboxing demonstrations, historical displays, and more. The main speaker is Kansas State University's
Assistant Vice President of Public Safety/Chief Ronnie Grice. Admission is
free.
One hundred fifty years later, the premise of celebrating
the freeing of slaves continues. It is important to remember our past, but
maintaining our freedom and appreciation for others still takes work on the
part of each of us.
Donations
for the Junction City Juneteenth Community Association may be gifted at the
upcoming events or by mail at Junction City Juneteenth Community Association
222 Navajo Drive, Junction City, Kansas 66441.
Visit the Museum Tuesday
through Sundays from 1:00 to 4:00 PM to learn more about the history of Geary
County.
Dr. Ferrell Miller is a
member of the Board of Directors at the Geary County Historical Society.
The Juneteenth Committee
members in the photo (from left to right)
Back row:
Shantelle Means, Secretary
Robert Bailey,
Parliamentarian
Janet Bailey, Member
Deliliah Hamilton, Treasurer
Yolanda W. Phelps, Public
Relations
Valerie Guy,
Advertising/Marketing
Kevin Godwin, Member
Dr. Crystal J. Davis,
Fundraising
Seated:
Nicholas Allbritton, Member
James Sands, President
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