Juneteenth Celebration

The Dunbar Alumni Association plans its first Juneteenth celebration for Saturday, June 20, 2009 from 11:00 A.M to 4:00 P.M. at the Livingston Church of God in Christ, 304 West Street, Livingston, Texas. The focus for this occasion is to revitalize celebrations of Emancipation Day for African Americans; also to bring awareness to younger generations as to why Juneteenth is celebrated. The history of the occurrence of these celebrations reveals a decline in the magnitude and intensity of Juneteenth activities as compared to initial celebrations beginning on June 19, 1866. That was one year after the Emancipation Proclamation was read to the people of Texas in 1865 declaring that all slaves are free. The decline of Juneteenth celebration has not afforded younger generations the opportunity to embrace the rich experiences of traditional celebrations. The public is invited to attended the program and participate in the outdoor activities immediately afterwards.