The Staunton-Augusta County African American Heritage Museum (SACAAHM) in conjunction with the Staunton NAACP will host the first annual Juneteenth Celebration at Montgomery Hall Park on June 10, 2017, from 8 a.m.to 8 p.m.
Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration of the ending of slavery. Dating back to 1865, this historical date commemorates June 19 when Union soldiers led by General Gordon Grainger arrived in Galveston, Texas to announce that the Civil War had ended and that all slaves were free. This was two and a half years after President Lincoln had issued the Emancipation Proclamation.
Juneteenth celebrates African American freedom and respect for all cultures and their history. The event will feature a variety of activities for everyone, including a children’s activity area; health walk/run around MHP; live entertainment; food; vendors; music; information booths; voter registration; raffles; health screenings; fun; fellowship and networking.
For more information, please email or call Sheila Ahmadi, 540.255.4452.
