VALDOSTA —
Juneteenth, also referred to as National Freedom Day, is the oldest known celebration commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States. The major celebration — which spans across a host of states including Florida, North Georgia areas, Texas, South Carolina and North Carolina — is no stranger to Valdosta. The Valdosta Juneteenth Celebration Committee is hosting its 20th Annual Juneteenth Celebration, sponsored by Southside Library Boosters, Inc., Tuesday, June 19 and Saturday, June 23.
Congress passed the 13th amendment on January 31, 1865 and ratified it on December 6, 1865. The amendment abolished slavery in the United States and provided that “Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction.” However, due to the complexities of communication, word didn’t reach down south until June.
“On June 19, 1865 word finally reached the Texas area that the war had ended and slavery had been abolished,” explained Beverly Richardson-Blake, the chair of the Juneteenth Planning Committee.
According to Richardson-Blake, Juneteenth celebrates African American freedom while encouraging self-development and respect for all cultures.
“Not only is this history worthy, this is an educational activity worthy for all citizens,” said Richardson-Blake. “It is an opportunity for all citizens to come together — not just blacks.”
On Tuesday, June 19 at 7 p.m., a Celebration Dinner will be held at Mathis Auditorium. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children. This year, participants from Southside Recreation Center will present a dramatic performance of “Through the Years” from Slavery to Today. There will also be musical performances by the Juneteenth Celebration Mass Choir under the direction of Taurence Phillips.
On Saturday, June 23 from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m., the Juneteenth Committee will host a Community Awareness Day at the historic Lowndes County Courthouse Square downtown. This event is free and open to the public. There will be informational displays, booths from various community agencies — such as the Valdosta Fire Department, Lowndes County Sheriff Department, Valdosta Police Department, South Georgia Medical Center and more — historical displays by community members, churches, organizations and vendors selling various products.
Additionally on Saturday, there will be a community blood drive from 10:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. and even a riding tour of historic Valdosta which will include a visit to the Valdosta Historical Museum. There will be free food, drinks, Sno Cones and popcorn.
Though these events will occur throughout the day, there are a few scheduled events on Saturday such as the opening program at 1 p.m. which will feature speaker Dr. Shirley Hardin, the Director of the African American Studies program at Valdosta State University. Music will be performed by the Celebration Mass Choir and Mayor John Gayle will deliver a proclamation. At 2 p.m., guests will enjoy a youth talent explosion featuring recording artists Precious Melton and at 4 p.m. GospelFest will begin featuring various gospel groups.
“This is a community effort,” said Richardson-Blake. “It’s all about education and learning all you can!”
The Juneteenth Celebration Committee is currently seeking program participants. Additional vendors, information booths and sponsorships are still welcome for the June 23 celebration. For more information on the dinner or to participate, call (229) 253-8313 or (229) 460-4889. In the event of inclement weather, activities will be held at the Pinevale Learning Center gymnasium.
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