Malone Center, Lincoln Parks and Rec to hold Juneteenth celebrations

Interesting Facts About Juneteenth. Juneteenth, which falls on June 19, marks the day General Gordon Granger announced to slaves in Galveston, Texas, that they were free. Here are some things to know about the historic event. President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, two and a half years prior to Granger’s announcement, but slaves in Texas were not aware that they were free. The migration of freedpeople to northern regions or to track down family members became known as “the scatter.”. Juneteenth is still not a federal holiday, though most states recognize it as a national holiday. The Juneteenth flag is full of symbolism, with the bursting “new star” representing a new freedom and a new people

The Malone Center and Lincoln Parks and Recreation will hold Juneteenth celebrations at Trago Park and the F Street Community Center later this month.

The Malone Center will host an event from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday at Trago Park, and F Street will host an event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 26.

Speakers including City Councilwoman Sändra Washington and former LPD officers Chassidy Jackson-Goodwin and Genelle Moore will discuss the importance of the celebration, which commemorates the announcement of the abolition of slavery in the United States.

The events will also feature Black businesses, free haircuts, food and other giveaways and more.