VALDOSTA —
A large crowd gathered in Mathis Auditorium Tuesday evening to celebrate Juneteenth, the oldest known celebration that commemorates the end of slavery in the U.S.
The event featured a candle lighting ceremony, musical selections and a touch of theater.
Family members of two of the event’s deceased founders solemnly lit a pair of candles as a memorial. Later, Evangelist Paulette Griffin explained the importance of the day.
“Our celebration knows no race, denomination or political group,” said Griffin. “We celebrate together as one.”
Mid-speech, she put on a Boubou robe and scarf as she explained the importance of the day from the perspective of a freed slave.
“I saw a church meeting over the hill,” she said. “Black and white people were singing together and even hugging one another. That’s where I want to be.”
Mayor John Gayle was among the event’s many notable guests who took time to speak before the Juneteenth crowd.
“This is just a great celebration and I encourage all [Valdostans] to celebrate this Juneteenth day,” said Mayor Gayle. “I appreciate the opportunity to represent you and be with you on behalf of the city.”
Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, the day that Major General Gordon Granger and a band of Union soldiers brought news of the newly enacted Emancipation Proclamation and Civil War’s end to Galveston, Texas.
The celebration continues Saturday, June 23 with Community Awareness Day at the Lowndes County Courthouse Square. Citizens are invited to Saturday’s Juneteenth blood drive, historical tour, youth talent show and late afternoon gospel concert.
For more information, contact the Southside Library Boosters Inc. at 229-253-8313.
For more on this story and other local news, subscribe to The Valdosta Daily Times e-Edition, or our print edition.
