Remembering the shackles, celebrating liberty

A parade, ceremony, sports, performances, food, kids’ stuff and more will be part of Wichita’s observance of Juneteenth today in and near McAdams Park, 1329 E. 16th St. The reason for the annual celebration is one worthy of note by all Americans — the end of slavery, tied to the day, June 19, 1865, when word of the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation 2½ years earlier finally reached Texas slaves. Marking the passing of slavery is necessary to teach future generations, and remind ourselves, of the value of the freedom America once denied its own.
Posted by Rhonda Holman

4 Comments

  1. E. Ireland
    Posted June 18, 2005 at 1:52 am | Permalink

    Maybe. On the other hand, the sooner we stop emphasizing the things that divided us, the sooner we are truly one country, one people.

    By the way, I never heard of Juneteenth before coming to Wichita. How widely is it celebrated?

  2. Joe Williams
    Posted June 18, 2005 at 2:41 am | Permalink

    I’ve never heard of it! This is the 1st time I learned about it, by reading it here. Sounds like a worth while celebration. I like events that brings the community together. :)

  3. Roo
    Posted June 18, 2005 at 10:54 am | Permalink

    Wow, Ireland! It’s amusing for someone so knowledgeable in Dem.vs.Rep battles to know so little about history surrounding the Civil War, a high-water mark in Republican Party and her abolitionists’ sentiments. ;) Say, in spirit of unity, let’s outlaw separate bathrooms, so we soon can become one with each other…

  4. E. Ireland
    Posted June 18, 2005 at 12:37 pm | Permalink

    Roo,
    I’m glad to amuse you; and this is just one more example that the Peerless Princess of the Plains (Wichita) has something to teach people. It seems Joe Williams & I have both been enlightened.

    Sorry, I’m not into bathroom camaraderie.