Two weeks before the U.S. remembered the day became free, residents commemorated a day in which many Americans became free in another way.
Juneteenth, known by some as “a second Independence Day,” was celebrated this past weekend in Taylor and across the country. Fannie Robinson Park host local festivities.
The Welfare Workers Club had the Emancipation Day Juneteenth 2022 Weekend Celebration June 17-18 at the Dickey-Givens Community Center. Displays featured the history of south Taylor.
“Those that have come before us that have made history, we are going to talk about them,” said Don Hill prior to the vent.
A program, “Did You Know?” featured a discussion about different things in south Taylor people may not know.
“A little history about the Welfare Workers’ Club. How Robinson Park came to be. … A little bit about the old rodeo grounds we had on Dr. (James Lee) Dickey’s farm under the hill,” Hill said. “We have people who have made history and went away.”
Meanwhile, the Blackshear/O.L. Price Ex-Students Association presented the Juneteenth Freedom Day at The Hole at the park. A Gospel fest was hosted by Sister Hallelujah from Gospel 1060AM. Live entertainment included DJ Todd Engle of Kasi 88.7FM, DJ Luvlylu and LM Rivers Dance Connections.
At the top of the hill in “The Hole” was the Celebration of Freedom. Residents sat around, enjoyed free drinks and food, including barbecue.
Juneteenth, June 19, celebrates the freedom of slaves in the United States at the end of the Civil War. African American communities across the country have observed the holiday for more than 150 years. In 2021, President Joe Biden signed a bill into Senate Law making Juneteenth a federal holiday.
