Muncie Times, Muncie, Delaware County, 2 June 2005 — Page 3

The Muncie Times • June 2, 2005 • Page 3

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ular, and synonymous, ‘ witf Juneteenth celebrations such as strawbeny soda)op. More traditional and ust as popular was the barjecuing, through which uneteenth participants could share in the spirit and aromas that their ancestors - the newly emancipated African Americans, would have experienced during their ceremonies. Hence, the barbecue pit is often established as the center of attention at Juneteenth celebrations. Food was abundant because everyone prepared a special dish. Meats such as lamb, pork and beef while not available everyday were brought on this special occasion. A true Juneteenth celebrations left visitors well satisfied and with enough conversation to last until the next. In the early years, little interest existed outside the African American community in participation in the celebrations. In some cases, there was outwardly

exhibited resistance by barring the use of public roperty for the festivities, ost of the festivities found themselves out in rural areas around rivers and creeks that could provide for additional activities, such as fishing, horseback riding and barbecues. Often the church grounds was the site for sucn activities. Eventually, as African Americans became land owners, land was donated and dedicated for these festivities. One of the earliest documented land purchases in the name of Juneteenth was organized by the Rev. Jack Yates. This fund-raising effort yielded $1,000 and the lurchase of Emancipation 3 ark in Houston, Texas. In vlexia, the local . uneteenth organization purchased Booker T. Washington Park, which had become the Juneteenth celebration site in 1898. There are accounts of Juneteenth activities being interrupted and halted by white landowners demanding that their laborers return to work.

However, it seems most allowed their workers the day off and some even made donations of food and money. For decades these annual celebrations flourished, growing continuously with each passing year. In Booker T. Washington Park, as many as 20,000 African Americans once flowed through during the course of a week, making the celebration one of the state’s largest. The Civil Rights movement of the 50’s and 60’s yielded both positive and negative results for the Juneteenth celebrations. While it pulled many of the African American youth away and into the struggle for racial equality, many linked these struggles to the historical struggles of their ancestors. This was evidenced by student demonstrators involved in the Atlanta civil rights campaign in the early 1960’s, whom wore Juneteenth freedom buttons. Again in 1968, Juneteenth received another strong resurgence througli Poor Peoples

March to Washington D.C.. the Rev. Ralph Abernathy’s call for people of all races, creeds, economic levels and professions to come to Washington to show support for the poor. Many of tnese attendees returned home and initiated Juneteenth celebrations in areas previously absent of such activity. In fact, two of the largest Juneteenth celebrations founded after this March are now held in Milwaukee and Minneapolis. On Jan. 1, 1980, Juneteenth became an official state holiday through the efforts of A1 Edwards, an African American state legislator. The successful passage of this bill marked Juneteenth as the first emancipation celebration granted official state recognition. Rep. Edwards has since actively sought to spread the observance of Juneteenth all across America. Throughout the 80s and 90s Juneteenth has continued to enjoy a growing and healthy interest from com-

munities and organizations throughout the country. Institutions such as the Smithsonian, the Henry Ford Museum and others have begun sponsoring Juneteentn-centered activities. In recent years, a number of national Juneteenth organizations have arisen to take their place along side older organizations - all with the mission to promote and cultivate knowledge and appreciation of African American history and culture. Juneteenth today, celebrates African American freedom while encouraging self-development and respect for all cultures. As it takes on a more national and even global perspective, the events of 18o5 in Texas are not forgotten, for all of the roots tie back to this fertile soil from which a national day of pride is growing. ***From History of Juneteenth ©Juneteenth.com 19962005

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