June 19, 1865, for those who may not know, is the date -- two and a half years after President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863 -- when news of the end of the Civil War, and slavery, finally reached those enslaved in some southwestern states. Celebrations began in the African American community almost immediately.
On June 19, 1866, freedmen in Texas organized an anniversary celebration which came to be known as Jubilee Day. Since that time, Juneteenth (a portmanteau of “June” and “nineteenth”) has been celebrated by many as the true Independence Day for African Americans.
Yesterday, the U.S. Senate unanimously approved a bill making Juneteenth Independence Day a federal holiday to be honored and celebrated by all Americans. Virginia declared Juneteenth a state holiday earlier this year.
A proclamation recognizing June 19th as Juneteenth in the Town of Warrenton will be read by Mayor Carter Nevill at this Saturday’s 1st Annual Juneteenth African-American Cultural Festival. The proclamation was sponsored by Town Councilmember (and Fauquier NAACP 1st VP) Renard Carlos. The festival will begin at 11 am. There will be cultural and art exhibits, live music, vendors and free food.
Black-owned businesses will be highlighted at the festival.
Register here for a food ticket.
Vendor registration ends Friday, June 11.
The Afro-American Historical Association of Fauquier County (AAHA) , View Tree Lodge #142, Fauquier NAACP, and In-A-Bein are co-sponsoring the event. Podcaster and AAHA board member Nichelle Calhoun shared her remembrances of Juneteenth in this week’s Fauquier Times.
SCHEDULE
Fauquier County’s First Annual Juneteenth African American Cultural Festival
Saturday, June 19 - Eva Walker Park
11:00 am: Opening Prayer from Pastor Dr. Tapscott (Faith Christian)
11:00 am - 3:00 pm: Vendors tents open
11:30 am: Reading of the Proclamation Recognizing June 19, 2021 as Juneteenth in the Town of Warrenton - Mayor Neville
12:00 pm: Live music - GP Vibe
12:30 pm: Honoring of Local Heroes
12:00 - 2:00 pm: Free hamburgers, hot dogs, baked beans, and chips will be served
3:00 pm: Live music - Daron Eclectic Soul
5:00 pm: Festival ends
NOTE: Seating is limited. You may want to bring a chair.