Jacksonville, AL –The the what and the places are simple to share however, the moment you ask Ms. Charlcie Pettway Vann, director of JSU’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion was interviewed by Calhoun Journal, Calhoun Journal she felt the reason was the most crucial aspect, and is often neglected.
She wanted to emphasize the fact that it was an important day of celebrations in the African American Community. The woman who did this was the Mrs. Opal Lee from Galveston Bay, Texas that really initiated the movement to make Juneteenth a national holiday. The president Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863 however, many slaves were not aware about it for many years. The day of freedom finally arrived on the 19th of June 1865, when thousands of Union soldiers arrived at Galveston Bay, Texas. The army announced that more than 250,000 black slaves citizens of the state had been granted liberty by executive order. The day was called “Juneteenth,” by the newly liberated people of Texas.
Mrs. Vann explained that many people in the black community see the Juneteenth holiday as being a sort of Fourth of July holiday. It’s a real celebration and a celebration of happiness. It is for JSU as well as the entire city of Jacksonville it is a day filled with entertainment and food, as well as games and genuine unity for everyone within the community. This is not a holiday where you have to think about the being separated. It’s a day to appreciate the freedoms that we enjoy and feel the benefits.
On June 15th, from the hours of 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm, everyone is invited to this free event which will take place inside the courtyard area of Merrill Hall. If the weather turns too hot or rains, the event will be moved indoors into the atrium. Madame. Vann spoke about this open event to the community that is so loved. She explained that we don’t need to think the same or be identical, but we all have the right to respect and love.
Mrs. Vann will welcome all in the first part of the event. She will also share a little about the history and background of Juneteenth. Local musician and JSU alumni, Jason Wright, the Piedmont High school’s fine arts teacher, will perform. One of the guest presenters is Myles Ham. He will discuss his struggles that in his life when he was an African American and his recent graduation from Concord University against the odds. Anniston Steppers will perform. Anniston Steppers will be performing, and for those who are brave, you could even be a part of them! Mrs. Sandra Suddeth will be acknowledged for her dedication to the community. within the community too. A T.A.D. of Jazz will also perform.
Plenty of Soul food will be on the menu like wings or mac and cheese, collards and red foods and drinks that are unique on this day as slaves were forbidden to eat red food. There are a few red items that will be served include red velvet cakes along with the strawberry-flavored soda water. Between the music and food, there will be games that are traditional like trump, business wiz, spades and dominoes as well as other games on the board. The entire day will revolve around fun for the whole family.
This year JSU is also working together with Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce as well as The City of Jacksonville for this celebration. Councilwoman Sherry Laster made an appearance in Calhoun Journal. Calhoun Journal and shared the following statement “Celebrating Juneteenth is important for the city of Jacksonville because it serves to recognize and celebrate that slavery was abolished in the United States, an institution that had a profound, long-lasting impact on African Americans. It is also an opportunity for reflection and educating about the ongoing struggle for racial equity and justice. Also, the celebration of Juneteenth may assist in bringing communities together and foster unity and understanding between different cultures and races.”
No matter if you were at the previous event or if it’s your first time, she said. Vann stressed all are invited to attend and have a great day of enjoyment. The event last year brought more than 200 people and she’s looking forward to a larger attendance this year.
