Muncie Times, Muncie, Delaware County, 1 June 2006 — Page 7

The Muncie Times • June 1, 2006 • Page 7

continued from page 5 Arkansas and Oklahoma. Settling into these new areas as free men and women brought on new realities and the challenges of establishing a heretofore nonexistent status for black people in America. Juneteenth Festivities and Food A range of activities were provided to entertain the masses, many of which continue in tradition today. Rodeos, fishing, barbecuing and baseball are just a few of the typical Juneteenth activities you may witness today. Juneteenth almost always focused on education and self improvement. Thus often guest speakers are brought in and the elders are called upon to recount the events of the past. Prayer services were also a major part of these celebrations. Certain foods became popular and subsequently synonymous with Juneteenth celebrations, such as strawberry sodapop. More traditional and just as popular was the barbecuing, through which Juneteenth participants could share in the spirit and aromas that their ancestors, the newly emancipated African Americans, would have experienced during their eeremonies. Hence, the aarbecue pit is often established as the center af attention at Juneteenth eelebrations. Food was abundant because everyone preeared a special dish, vleats, such as lamb, pork md beef, which not avail-

able everyday were brought on this special occasion. A true Juneteenth celebrations left visitors well satisfied and with enough conversation to last until the next. Dress was also an important element in early Juneteenth customs and is often still taken seriously, particularly by the direct descendants who can make the connection to this tradition's roots. During slavery there were laws on the books in many areas that prohibited or limited the dressing of slaves. During the initial days of the emancipation celebrations, there are accounts of slaves tossing their ragged garments into the creeks and rivers to adorn cl othing taken from the plantations belonging to their former masters. The Depression forced many people of the farms and into the cities to find work. In these urban environments, employers were less eager to grant leaves to celebrate this date. Thus, unless June 19 fell on a weekend or holiday, there were very few participants available. July 4 was the already established Independence Day holiday and a rise in patriotism steered more toward this celebration. Resurgence The Civil Rights Movement of the 50s and 60s yielded 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 1960s, whom wore Juneteenth freedom buttons. Again in 1968, Juneteenth received another strong resurgence through the 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 these 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. Texas Blazes the Trail On Jan.l, 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. 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 communities and organizations throughout the country. Institutions such as the Smithsonian, the

Henry Ford Museum and others have begun sponsoring Juneteenth-cen-tered activities. In recent years, a number of National Juneteenth Organizations have arisen to take their place alongside older organizations, all with the mission to promote and cultivate knowledge and appreciation of African American history and culture. Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. From its Galveston origin in 1865, the observance of June 19 as the African American Emancipation Day has spread across the United States and beyond. Today Juneteenth commemorates African American freedom and emphasizes education and achievement. It is a day, a week, and in some areas a month marked with celebrations, guest speakers, picnics and family gatherings. It is a time for reflection and rejoicing. It is a time for assessment, selfimprovement and for planning the future. Its growing popularity signifies a level of maturity and dignity in America long over due. In cities across the country, people of all races, nationalities and religions are joining hands to truthfully acknowledge a period in African American history that shaped and continues to influence society today For more information, go to Juneteenth.com. The celebrations that followed the reading of the proclamation by General Gordon Granger

began a tradition that has lasted for one hundred and forty years, and today is hosted in cities across America and beyond. The JUNETEENTH.com website is dedicated to this celebration and to those who tirelessly contribute to its continued existence and growth. For information regarding this website, contact us via email or write to: Juneteenth.com, RO. Box 871750, New Orleans, LA 70187, or call: 504 2457800 From the Juneteenth Webmaster... With sincere pride and love, I would like to thank each of you for your comments and continued support for this effort. With the power of your collective thought we can move mountains, so let us not ever sink in despair over the obstacles that stand in our path. Rather, let us join hands and communicate our needs, share our experiences and leverage our strengths. The spirit of Juneteenth is alive and well in each of us. Dedicated to the memory of Tom Feelings and his extraordinary work "The Middle Passage" Look for the Juneteenth World Wide Celebration emblem at Juneteenth events across America and beyond. If you know of other Juneteenth Web sites please e-mail Wayne Hicks with the URL. We'll add it here for others to enjoy. Since Black History occurs 365 days a year...this Website will honor Juneteenth for 365 days, not just in June.