Juneteenth celebrations planned in Macon and Warner Robins on Friday, Saturday
Local organizations are planning several events in Macon Friday and Saturday in honor of Juneteenth, the annual holiday that celebrates the abolition of slavery in the U.S.
The holiday dates back to June 19, 1865 when Union Gen. Gordon Ranger read a proclamation in Galveston, Texas declaring the end of the Civil War and freedom for slaves.
While the holiday has received renewed interest this year due to nationwide protests following the killing of George Floyd and President Donald Trump’s initial decision to hold a campaign rally on Juneteenth in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Maconites have formally celebrated the holiday for decades.
Torchlight Academy and Kwanzaa Cultural Access Center are hosting the 28th annual Juneteenth celebration in Macon with virtual forums and a festival broadcast on Zoom and Facebook Live.
“It was a joyous opportunity in 1865 and 1866 for a Black person to, for the first time, have the dignity of being ‘free’ and to begin a new life of pursuing previously impossible dreams and achievements,” a press release from the organizations read. “Juneteenth is about gratitude for today’s opportunity for freedom and determination to fulfill our responsibility to move the mighty legacy forward to complete freedom, justice and equality for all.”
Scheduled events
- Friday, June 19, 1-5 p.m. 15th Annual Real Talk Hip Hop Summit, Zoom/Facebook Live event, 714-866-8052; visit Kwanzaa Cultural Access Center Facebook Page
- Friday, June 19 at 6 p.m. Juneteenth Zoom/Facebook Live Forum: American Reparations/Genocide/Black Paradox & The Ongoing Freedom Struggle; visit Kwanzaa Cultural Access Center Facebook Page
- Saturday, June 20, 12:30-2:30 p.m. 28th Annual Juneteenth Freedom Festival Live Zoom/Facebook Live broadcast, 478-718-8067; visit Kwanzaa Cultural Access Center Facebook Page
Warner Robins Celebration of Black Excellence
The organization Warner Robins Matters is hosting a Juneteenth: Celebration of Black Excellence event from 3-8:30 p.m. Friday at 620 Wellborn Road in Warner Robins. Organizers intend for the event to bring awareness to the importance of Juneteenth, according to a Facebook post.
The free event will include music, games, food trucks and vendors. Individuals can also submit resumes and job applications to local companies looking for employees, register to vote and complete the Census. Hand-sanitizing stations and porta-potties will be available, according to the post, and attendees are encouraged to wear masks and practice social distancing.
Juneteenth drive-in celebration
The Tubman Museum and Spectra with the Macon Centreplex will present the Juneteenth Drive-In Celebration featuring the moving “Dreamgirls” at 8 p.m. Friday at the Macon Coliseum (200 Coliseum Drive).
Attendees are encouraged to donate $25 per vehicle to support the Tubman Museum, although all donations are welcome, according to a press release. Participants will also need to follow social distancing guidelines, and masks are encouraged when outside of a vehicle. Spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis, with a maximum of roughly 170 vehicles.
Gates will open at 7 p.m. and staff will direct vehicles to open spaces. Concessions and restrooms will be available.
“A special thanks to our additional partners, Praise 99.5, Power 107.1, and KISS 107.5,” the release read. “If you are interested in partnering with this event, please email MCP-Info@spectraxp.com for more information.”
This story was originally published June 16, 2020 at 10:54 AM.