Juneteenth to celebrate freedom

Published 10:10 pm Wednesday, June 8, 2011

(from left) DeLorean Harry, Malika Fortier and the Rev. Franklin Fortier hold a press conference just outside the Acient Africa Enslavement and Civil War Museum Thursday morning to discuss the "Juneteenth" Celebration to be held June 18 from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. at Taylorzville, located at 4100 U.S. Hwy. 80 W. Juneteenth is also known as "Emancipation Day" for African-Americans gaining freedom from slavery. The celebration will also commemorate Father's Day and honor fathers who have played pivotal roles in their childrens' lives. For more information call the Bridge Crossing Jubilee Office at 526-2626. -- Desiree Taylor

While the entire nation will barbecue their steaks, hotdogs and hamburgers on grills for the Fourth of July, many African-Americans instead will celebrate their independence a month early on June 18.

Known as “Juneteenth,” and recognized by 39 states, the holiday began in Galveston, Texas and observes African-American Emancipation and the ending of slavery in the United States. The “Freedom Day” also emphasizes achievement and education.

Members of the Ancient Africa, Enslavement and Civil War Museum held a press conference Thursday morning in front of the museum to inform the public about the event to be held June 18 from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. at Taylor-Z-Ville, located at 4100 U.S. Hwy 80 W. The free event will include speakers, food and music.

Email newsletter signup

“Selma has a rich history, and slavery is a part of that history,” said Malika Fortier. “Juneteenth is about slavery and the Civil War, and it’s appropriate to celebrate the day in Selma. Juneteeth is an opportunity to draw people to Selma. We want blacks and whites to come together to help us celebrate.”

And because Father’s Day will also fall on Juneteeth, the museum believes the occasion is even more celebratory.

“This day is important for fathers in Selma as well as the nation,” said the Rev. Franklin Fortier. “There’s still an inherent struggle that can’t be understood until you know what Juneteenth is all about. This year, we just want to celebrate our fathers.

“A healing process needs to take place between fathers and their children, which never happened after slavery,” Malika said. “Because of the legacy of slavery, there’s a heightened relationship between fatherhood and slavery. It’s important for fathers to be involved in their children’s lives because then there would be less drugs and crime. This year presents an opportunity for the descendants of enslaved Africans to honor the struggles of fathers who’ve had to deal with the legacy of slavery.”

In honor of Father’s Day, the museum will hold a “Father of the Year” essay contest for children 12-17.

“We’re asking participants to write an essay about why their father should be honored with the award,” said Dr. Margaret Hardy, contest chairperson. “There’s so much negativity within the African-American community and fatherhood, so we want every opportunity to uplift and say thank you to not just them, but fathers everywhere.”

The essay can be no longer than 2 pages handwritten and can be brought to the Bridge Crossing Jubilee Office or Z105.3 radio station by June 15. The winner of the contest will be revealed June 18 during the Juneteenth celebration.

For more information about the event call 526-2626.