Muncie Times, Muncie, Delaware County, 3 July 2003 — Page 4

Page 4 • The Muncie limes • July 3, 2U03

Juneteenth “A Celebration of Freedom”

and portrayed Martin Delaney, the highestranking black civil war soldier. The desire for freedom clung in the air and was met by jubilation from those in attendance. Juneteenth, the second American independence day, was not accompanied by the usual loudness, plop and excitement. It was rather a day of reflection for those who considered it truly worthy. At the ballpark on Saturday, the Indians conquered the White Sox 8 to 5 in a very close game. “We were almost in a tie, and then we just started batting right and kept getting on base. I

appreciate my teammates for being so good at this game. I hope we go all the way to the playoffs,” said Jaylin Barnes of the Indians. The day was as bright as the sun and the little ones ran and slid to the joy of the watching crowd. Juneteenth, celebrated, was originally accompanied by baseball. It was the only time, they say, that black baseball players could square off against their white counterparts in a time of segregation. “If you don’t celebrate Juneteenth, then you ain’t free,” said James Rudd, the patriarch of the Juneteenth celebration in Long Island, New York.

Jaylin Barnes of the Indians

Danile, Chris Hurt, Sade Williams, Jaylon White, Hodessa

Juneteenth ijaMT’A Celeb rat ion of I-reed on?"

Shown for first time, The Muncie Times African America History Collection.

African Stamp and Postcarc private collection of Lonnie Jordon being viewed by Sophie Gulubane

Boys and Girls Club baseball team celebrate Juneteenth.

Tony Watkins-coach, Joe Williams, Makenzie, Samone Smith, Dennis Vance, Jamal Jones, Trell imve, Chantel White